Blackpool boss Steve Bruce has heaped praise on Ipswich Town loanee Elkan Baggott for his attitude and character during an injury-hit spell with the Seasiders — while suggesting the defender’s best years are still to come.
The 22-year-old Indonesian international endured a frustrating season at Bloomfield Road, managing just 18 appearances due to multiple spells on the sidelines. Despite that, Bruce highlighted Baggott’s influence beyond matchdays, describing the young centre-back as a model professional and a “smashing human being.”
Community spirit wins praise amid injury setbacks
After arriving on a season-long loan in August 2024 from parent club Ipswich, Baggott was sidelined twice before the turn of the year. Although he returned to feature more consistently from January onwards, niggling fitness issues continued to limit his involvement. However, it was his commitment off the pitch that left the strongest impression on the Blackpool coaching staff.
“It doesn’t surprise me that he goes to the food bank every week to help serve the people,” said Bruce. “He’s a smashing lad, and a smashing pro. Unfortunately, with the injuries he’s had, it’s not gone as well as everyone would’ve hoped.
“There’s no doubt at all in my mind, he’s going to go on to be a very decent defender. As a professional, if I show you the charts in the gym – he wins everything. Underneath all that, he’s got a fantastic human side to him.”
Baggott was named Blackpool’s Community Champion at the club’s end-of-season awards, in recognition of his voluntary work in the local area. His dedication to outreach programmes and his popularity in the dressing room have made him a fan favourite, despite limited time on the pitch.
The defender previously impressed in loan spells with Gillingham, Cheltenham Town, Bristol Rovers and King’s Lynn Town. He made history in 2022 by becoming the first Indonesian player to appear and score in an English professional league, while his goal for Ipswich in the EFL Cup made him the first from his nation to score in the competition.
Writer’s View
While injuries may have limited Elkan Baggott’s impact on the pitch this season, his time at Blackpool has reinforced what many already suspected: this is a player with leadership potential and elite-level professionalism.
If he can overcome his physical setbacks, his mix of character, international pedigree and technical quality could see him thrive — whether at Ipswich or elsewhere. Don’t be surprised if Baggott becomes more than just a loanee name in the lower leagues before long.
