Sonny Carey has admitted that Blackpool will always hold a special place in his heart, as he continues to thrive at the club he joined in 2021.
The 24-year-old midfielder has played a key role for the Tangerines, scoring 14 goals and providing two assists in 123 appearances since making the move from non-league football.
Before breaking into the Football League, Carey spent his formative years in the Norwich City academy but was released at the age of 15. Determined to make it in professional football, he worked his way up through non-league clubs like Norwich United, Wroxham, and King’s Lynn Town, before finally securing a move to Blackpool.
“Norwich will always be my home, that’s where I grew up, but there’s definitely a special place in my heart for Blackpool,” Carey said.
Family Support and Career Progression
Carey credited his family’s unwavering support for helping him achieve his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Despite being based far from home, his family has remained his biggest supporters.
“I’ve got the best family. Norwich is about five hours away, but they try to get to as many games as they can. When I played Sunday League, my mum and dad were at every game, my two sisters got dragged there too in the cold. I appreciate them all.”
Playing Style and Preferred Position
Carey has adapted to multiple positions at Blackpool, but he has relished recent opportunities to play in a more attacking midfield role following a tactical tweak by head coach Steve Bruce.
Despite his versatility, Carey admitted that he enjoys playing in central areas where he can influence games more effectively.
“As a player, I like to get forward and get into the box, so it’s good to play a bit more advanced after being a bit deeper—where you’ve got to be more disciplined.”
“The good thing about me is I’m quite versatile, and I can play out wide, in the middle, or even as a second striker if needed. It’s something I’m quite good at. I’ve played in a few different positions—off the left, as a six, and as a ten.”
Writer’s View: A Player on the Brink of a Big Move?
Sonny Carey’s progression from non-league football to an established EFL midfielder is an inspiring journey. The 24-year-old has proven his ability at Blackpool, and with his contract winding down, speculation over his future is inevitable.
From a tactical standpoint, Carey’s versatility makes him a manager’s dream. Whether operating as a number 10, a deep-lying midfielder, or even out wide, his technical quality and intelligence make him a valuable asset.
