With an experienced manager in Steve Bruce at the helm and after a promising end to the 2024/25 season, there was an optimistic atmosphere around Blackpool heading into the transfer window. The Tangerines have already recruited a number of exciting players like Michael Ihiekwe and George Honeyman, but they have just landed their marquee signing for the summer.
Dale Taylor Joins Blackpool
The club’s official website has announced that Dale Taylor has moved to Bloomfield Road on a four-year deal, with the option for the contract to be extended by a further year, after the Tangerines fought off competition from other sides in League One as well as the Championship to sign the 21-year-old from Nottingham Forest.
The Northern Irishman, who has nine caps for his country, has already accumulated a wealth of experience in League One as he has thrived during season-long loans at Wycombe Wanderers and, most recently, Wigan Athletic as well as a six-month stint with Burton Albion.
He finished last campaign as the Latics’ top goalscorer and top assister, winning four consecutive Christophe Duchamp Player of the Month awards in addition to being named as the club’s Player of the Year. He is the first loanee to win the award since Reece James.
Upon joining the Tangerines, Taylor said:
“I’m absolutely delighted and excited to be here as it has been a long time in the making.
“I have spoken to the manager quite a bit and where he wants to take this Club is very exciting for me and a real inspiration behind the decision to join this massive Club.”
Manager Steve Bruce was thrilled to get the deal over the line, praising Taylor’s finishing ability and enthusiasm. He said:
“Dale has shown his qualities at this level over the last few years, and we are delighted he has chosen to join us here at Blackpool for the foreseeable future.
“He is a real menace for opposition defenders and knows where the back of the net is. We are hopeful he can continue his upward trajectory here at Bloomfield Road.”
Writer’s View
This is an extremely exciting signing for Blackpool fans, and it should provide a boost in morale around the club after an opening-day defeat against Stevenage may have quelled the optimism of some.
The signing leaves the Tangerines with arguably the best strike force in the third tier. They re-signed Niall Ennis, who scored seven times in 19 games when on loan last season, earlier in the summer, and they have retained the services of Ashley Fletcher, who was the Supporters’ Player of the Season last campaign.
It will be interesting to see which member of the duo makes way for Taylor this season.
