Blackpool manager Steve Bruce has revealed the club are in talks to add a second goalkeeper to their ranks this summer.
The Seasiders have opted to make a more permanent appointment to their goalkeeping department ahead of the new season. Harry Tyrer manned the sticks last season, although he returned to parent club Everton at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Bruce has already added Franco Ravizzoli to his squad following his release from Wycombe Wanderers in May. The 28-year-old was first choice under previous head coach Matt Bloomfield but fell out of favour following the appointment of Mike Dodds in February.
Bruce Issues Goalkeeper Update
The Argentine started yesterday’s friendly win over AFC Fylde, which the League One outfit won 4-3. However, the new arrival was already aware that he would face competition for a starting berth this season. Addressing the situation in a recent training camp in Spain, the manager admitted that a second goalkeeper is expected to join before their opener against Stevenage next month:
“We’ve decided this year that instead of having a number one, we’re going to have two goalkeepers who will slog it out – a bit like the rest of the team.
“Hopefully that will bring the best out of people.”
It now appears as if Blackpool are making strides in their search, with Bruce issuing an update yesterday. Via Blackpool Gazzette, he said:
“We are in discussions with a certain one at the moment which we hope will bear some light by the end of the weekend, but we’ll see.
“These things take time but we’re edging along with it.”
The Lancashire-based side finished ninth in League One last season, although are hoping to push for at least a top six finish this time around. They have already made strides in the transfer market, bringing in the experienced George Honeyman, Michael Ihiekwe and Fraser Horsfall. Their attacking options have also been boosted by the arrival of Niall Ennis from Stoke City following his successful loan spell at Bloomfield Road last season.
Writer’s View
Bruce has consistently stated that promotion from League One is his aim and he will be delighted with his summer business so far. Ravizzoli is a goalkeeper who is more than capable at this level but he did lose his place at Wycombe following the arrival of Will Norris from Portsmouth in February. It will be interesting to see who Blackpool bring in to challenge the Argentine and whether they opt for a regular shot stopper or rotate the position throughout the campaign.
