Blackpool Gazette

The unlikely Blackpool reunion featuring former Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur figures

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 24/04/2025 - 05:00

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Football can often provide some unlikely reunions - and that’s certainly the case for two former Blackpool figures at the moment.

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A number of people come and go and Bloomfield Road, so it’s often likely that they will end up crossing paths again.

At the moment, that’s the case for ex-Seasiders midfielder Tashan Oakley-Boothe and former coach Iain Brunskill.

The pair are currently working with each other once again in the Scottish Championship at Dunfermline Athletic.

For Oakley-Boothe, his brief spell in Tangerine can be quickly forgotten, with the midfielder never really establishing himself on the Fylde Coast.

The Tottenham Hotspur youth product joined Blackpool in the summer of 2023 following a trial period with the club on the back of his departure from Stoke City.

During his time at Bloomfield Road, the 25-year-old made just three league appearances for the Seasiders, with a further seven outings coming in cup competitions.

With Oakley-Boothe doing very little to catch the eye during that time, his contract was mutually terminated last January - which allowed him to join Estrela da Amadora in the Portuguese Primeira Liga as a free agent.

His time at the Estádio José Gomes didn’t last long, with only two games coming his way, prompting a move to Dunfermline earlier this year, on a short-term deal for the remainder of the campaign.

Discussing his footballing background at the time, he told the Pars club media: “I’ve been at a couple of clubs over the last few years, and I was in Portugal for a little bit. It was a very different experience, very tough in terms of the language barrier.

“Overall, it’s an experience at the end of the day. I didn’t play as much as I would have liked, but that’s football.

“I’d say it’s a bit different from Portugal. I’d say Portugal is maybe a bit more technical, but that’s not to fault the football here. It’s still good football. I’d say it’s nothing I haven’t experienced before playing in League One or Championship; it’s pretty similar.”

So far, Oakley-Boothe has made seven appearances in the Scottish Championship.

Former Blackpool coach’s Dunfermline role

Last month, Brunskill joined the former Blackpool midfielder at East End Park, coming in as an assistant coach following the appointment of Neil Lennon.

This isn’t the first time the 48-year-old has worked with the former Celtic boss, with the pair having briefly worked at Rapid București in Romania last year.

That move brought an end to Brunskill’s time with Blackpool. The ex-Liverpool assistant academy technical director initially spent time with the Seasiders towards the end of Neil Critchley’s first spell in charge, before returning with the now-Hearts boss for his second stint.

Dunfermline caught the eye last month after adding former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama to their ranks.

The 33-year-old, who knows Lennon from their time at Celtic Park, had a debut to forget, after being sent off in a 3-0 defeat to Ayr United.

Your next story from the Gazette: Seasiders suffer damaging blow to play-off hopes.

Blackpool Gazette

Steve Bruce examines ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Preston North End midfielder's tough start to short-term deal with Blackpool ahead of January decision

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 20/11/2024 - 05:00

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Josh Onomah has been unable to make a real impact since joining Blackpool on a short-term deal last month.

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The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, who is contracted until January, has made five appearances for the Seasiders so far this season, providing one assist during that time.

His move to Bloomfield Road came after a successful trial period with the club, with the 27-year-old rebuilding his fitness at Squires Gate on the back of spending over a year without a club following his release from Preston North End.

Onomah’s like of game time has been evident in his outings in Tangerine, and was unable to play any part of Blackpool’s 0-0 draw with Northampton Town at the weekend.

“With the positions we’ve got, he just couldn’t make the bench, it was as simple as that, that goes for Dom (Thompson) as well,” Seasiders head coach Steve Bruce explained.

“Josh hasn’t been able to break in yet, which is disappointing. He knows that, and he’s a bit frustrated with it - of course he is.

“We’ve got another big week coming up, and it might be his week to stake a claim for a start.

“I honestly believe if you miss a year, it’s a very big road to come back down, but he’s trying to recover the best he can.

“It’s very difficult. In the summer we have five or six weeks off, and then you have a pre-season of five games, so you can imagine what it’s like when you’ve missed 12 months.

“For me I’ve seen him play off the front, as a midfield player, or off the side, he’s very versatile in that respect.”

Blackpool Gazette

Absence of Blackpool trio explained

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 10/11/2024 - 05:00

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Blackpool were without a number of players for their trip to the capital to take on Leyton Orient.

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Despite being close to having a first-choice XI available, Steve Bruce’s were on the end of a 3-0 defeat, with Sonny Perkins, Charlie Kelman and Tom James all finding the back of the net at Brisbane Road.

Among the absent Seasiders players was recent addition Josh Onomah. After spending over 12 months without a club, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur signed a short-term deal at Bloomfield Road until January on the back of a successful trial period.

“He’s picked up a knee injury unfortunately,” Bruce said.

“Big (Elkan) Baggott was a little bit sore so we didn’t risk him, and Zac Ashworth was exactly the same - it was a little bit of a reaction from the game the other night.

“They could possibly be back midweek, we’ll see how they are Monday. We’re hoping all three will be available Tuesday, and we’ll go from there.”

Winger CJ Hamilton was handed his first start in over a month after recovering from thigh injury, but was replaced by Dominic Thompson heading into the latter stages of the Orient game.

“Him and Apter hadn’t really trained, so it was good to see them get minutes under their belt, but I was just erring on the side of caution,” Bruce added.

“At two or three down with 15 minutes to go you know the horse as gone, so it was a case of protecting him.”

Blackpool Gazette

Tottenham midfielder after Seasiders debut

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 20/10/2024 - 10:30

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Blackpool assistant coach Steve Agnew is hopeful Josh Onomah can be a ‘bonus’ for the Seasiders heading into a busy period of the season.

The midfielder signed a short-term deal at Bloomfield Road earlier this month following a successful trial, and made his debut for the club off the bench in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Barnsley.

During the recent international break, Onomah was among a number of players to pick up minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston North End, which finished in a 3-0 victory for Steve Bruce’s side.

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Discussing the 27-year-old’s progress, Agnew said: “He played 80 minutes and was terrific, he played really well. Having discussions with Josh, he feels as if he’s there now and up to speed, so let’s see how he goes.

“His football has been Premier League and Championship, so he has that quality.

“He’s strong and technically he’s a very good footballer, and can play a number of positions across midfield. It’ll be a bonus for us going into this heavy fixture congestion.”

Prior to Saturday’s game, it’d been over a year since Onomah had featured in a competitive game, with his last club being Preston, whom he left last summer after being unable to agree new terms at Deepdale.

The former England youth international started his career with Tottenham Hotspur, and made 32 senior appearances for the North London club, as well as being loaned out to Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.

During his time at both Villa Park and Hillsborough, he played under current Blackpool boss Bruce, making his latest move the third time the pair would’ve worked together.

Onomah’s CV also includes a spell with Fulham, where he made 76 appearances between 2019 and the start of 2023.

With Lee Evans suspended for Tuesday night’s game away to Peterborough United, and Ollie Norburn still injured, there could be a potential opportunity for the ex-Spurs youngster to make his first start in Tangerine.

Blackpool Gazette

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur youngster confirmed as Blackpool player following a lengthy spell without a club

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 03/10/2024 - 20:00

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Blackpool have confirmed the signing of Josh Onomah on a short-term contract.

Following a successful trial period at Squires Gate, the midfielder will now have until the beginning of January to earn himself a longer deal at Bloomfield Road.

The 27-year-old has been training with the Seasiders since the end of July, and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Accrington Stanley shortly after arriving on the Fylde Coast.

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It’s been over a year since Onomah has featured in a competitive game, with his last club being Preston North End, whom he left last summer after being unable to agree new terms at Deepdale.

During his time at both Villa Park and Hillsborough, he played under current Blackpool boss Steve Bruce, making his latest move the third time the pair would’ve worked together.

Onomah’s CV also includes a spell with Fulham, where he made 76 appearances between 2019 and the start of 2023.

The addition of the former Tottenham man will help to boost the Seasiders’ midfield options in the next few weeks, with Ollie Norburn currently missing through a hamstring injury.

Lee Evans and Albie Morgan have been Bruce’s starting options in recent games, while Sonny Carey has been utilised off the bench in the central area, with Elliot Embleton also able to play that position.

Blackpool Gazette

Blackpool boss' 16-word answer concerning decision on ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Preston North End midfielder

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 02/10/2024 - 08:25

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Blackpool’s decision on whether to sign trialist Josh Onomah is imminent.

The midfielder has spent the last few months training with the Seasiders, and even featured in 45 minutes of a behind-closed doors friendly against Accrington Stanley at the end of July.

Onomah’s last permanent club was Preston North End, whom he left last summer after being unable to agree new terms at the conclusion of his short-term deal at Deepdale.

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The 27-year-old knows Blackpool head coach Steve Bruce well, with the pair having previously worked together at both Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.

Earlier this month, the Seasiders boss set the former Tottenham Hotspur youngster the target of proving his fitness in order to earn himself a contract at Bloomfield Road.

In his latest update, Bruce suggested a decision wasn’t far away, stating: “We’re close to something, we’ll know a bit more tomorrow (Wednesday), but something is close.”

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The 63-year-old has previously admitted Onomah could prove to be a good signing for Blackpool if he could get himself right.

“If he does (get fit), then we have a player on our hands, because the kid can play,” he said last month.

“I’ve given him that opportunity, so we’ll assess him to see where he is. We’re confident he’ll get there.

“He’s missed the best part of 12 months, it’s like someone having a serious injury. The fitness levels can go so quickly; it doesn’t matter what you do in the gym. To be fair to Josh he’s tried his best, he’s doing everything he can.

“I had the conversation about him this week. If he can get himself right physically then we’ve got someone who’s played at the top level.

“I’m really surprised he’s been without a club for so long. He played for me and did well, so much so I nearly took him on Deadline Day when I was at West Brom.”

Blackpool Gazette

Midfielder progressing well during trial period with Blackpool

Submitted by daniel on Sat, 24/08/2024 - 08:00

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Josh Onomah is still training with Blackpool as part of his trial period with the Seasiders.

The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster has been without a club for over a year, after being unable to agree extended contract terms with Preston North End last summer.

Since then he’s been on trial with Stoke City and linked with Bolton Wanderers, but a move failed to materialise on both occasions.

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Throughout the latter parts of pre-season, the 27-year-old started training with Blackpool, and even featured for 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Accrington Stanley.

Discussing Onomah’s ongoing trial period, Seasiders interim boss Richard Keogh said: “Josh has been great, he’s worked really hard. When you spend so long out of the game, you have to put a programme in place for him to physically be in place to show his best self - that’s only fair for the player.

“He loves football and he wants to play, but you owe it to him to put him in a position where he can play to his maximum.

“We know what a good player he is, it’s clear to see what he’s added to the group when he’s trained, and it’s helped the younger players.

“We love having Josh, he’s a really great guy, there’s a lot of humility and a really nice manner about him. He’s still with us and we’ll keep working hard.

“The Accrington game was a chance for him to get around football and to get a feel for the game. You can do as much training as you want, but to feel the pitch and feel different actions is just as important.

“We knew physically he wasn’t quite there, but it felt like a good opportunity to push him to progress him to a different programme. He’s in a much better place and has integrated well.

“It’s good for him to be around us. He’s been good for us, but we’ve been good for him as well.”

Blackpool Gazette

Latest on ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Preston North End midfielder's trial with Blackpool

Submitted by daniel on Fri, 09/08/2024 - 10:30

Latest on Josh Onomah's trial spell with Blackpool - Blackpool Gazette

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Josh Onomah has spent time on trial with Blackpool this summer as he looks to return to football after 12 months without a club.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Preston North End midfielder initially started training with the Seasiders last month, before featuring in the second half of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Accrington Stanley at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool boss Neil Critchely has confirmed Onomah is still with the Seasiders as he continues to build his fitness.

“He’s still here, he’s training with the group,” he said.

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“As a free agent he doesn’t need to sign before the end of the window, so it’s different for him.

“After missing a year of football, he understands it’s going to take a period of time for him to get back to the condition he was once in.

“What he is doing is working extremely hard, training with the group, and it’s nice to see him with a smile on his face and enjoying his football.

“It’s going to take time. He’s only been with us two weeks, and that’s nothing when you’ve not played a game for 12 months. He understands his situation and that he’s got some hard yards to put in.

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“At this moment in time, he’s doing his training and he’s doing his extra conditioning work, so let’s see where it gets him.”

Onomah came through Tottenham’s youth ranks, and first joined the Lilywhites academy in 2013.

The 27-year-old worked his way up through the different age groups, before eventually featuring in 32 first-team games for the club - during which time he scored one goal.

On the final day of the summer transfer window in 2019, he made the permanent move across London to join Fulham as part of a £25million deal for Ryan Sessegnon.

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In his time at Craven Cottage, he scored five goals and provided eight assists in 76 appearances, but his game time did dry up during the latter stages of his time with the club, and his contract was eventually mutually terminated in January 2023.

Onomah’s most recent club was Preston North End, featuring 13 times in the Championship during his short stint at Deepdale, with the two parties unable to finalise an extended deal last summer.

Since then, he has spent time on trial with Stoke City, as well as being linked with Bolton Wanderers, but a move failed to materialise on both occasions.

Blackpool Gazette

Blackpool boss gives verdict on trialist's outing in Tangerine

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 31/07/2024 - 14:30

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Blackpool trialist Josh Onomah featured in the second half of the Seasiders’ pre-season friendly against Accrington Stanley.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham midfielder was introduced at half time of the behind-closed-doors game, after he started training at Squires Gate at the back end of last week.

Onomah has been without a club since departing Preston North End last summer, with Blackpool boss Neil Critchley aware of the challenges the 27-year-old faces.

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“It was Josh’s first game for a long time, he’s just enjoying pulling his boots back on and being back around a dressing room,” he said.

“He only joined us late last week, and he needs a bit of time to catch up physically. He’s a good lad, and he’s got talent - that’s undoubted.

“We’ll be patient, we’ll let him be him, and we’ll see where we get to.

“He would’ve benefited from the game. He wanted to play on Saturday, so he’s desperate to get out there and play.

“When you’ve not played for as long as he has, you sometimes don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, and he’s obviously missed his football and I know he loved being out there.”

Blackpool Gazette

Blackpool 1-3 Accrington Stanley: Ex-Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Preston North End man features in behind-closed-doors defeat for Seasiders

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 30/07/2024 - 14:50

Blackpool were defeated by Accrington Stanley in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Bloomfield Road.

A first half goal from Kelsey Mooney and a Josh Woods brace helped The 'Owd Reds to a 3-1 victory, with Ashley Fletcher claiming a consolation for Neil Critchley’s side.

The Seasiders starting XI featured multiple first-team regulars, while trialist Josh Onomah was used from the bench in the second half.

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A powerful run forward from Hayden Coulson created Blackpool’s first opening of the game, with the move ending with a shot over the bar from Sonny Carey.

Another opportunity landed the way of the midfielder soon after, as the Seasiders continued to find space. This time the 23-year-old was able to test Michael Kelly, who was able to push the shot away.

Carey was in the mix once again ahead of the half hour mark. After a great run down the right-wing, CJ Hamilton found his teammate in the box, but the Accrington keeper was equal to the attempt.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 32nd minute, but it was in the favour of the visitors, as a curling shot from Mooney found its way past an unmoved Dan Grimshaw.

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Stanley doubled their lead ahead of the break, with the Blackpool keeper well beaten again, as Woods fired a powerful shot from distance into the top right corner.

Onomah was introduced into the action at the break, and had the first opportunity of the second half, placing a shot just past the post.

Down the other end, substitute Shaun Whalley came close to extending Accrington’s lead, with his free kick hitting the frame of the goal.

The Seasiders pulled a goal back in the 74th minute, as Fletcher tapped in a ball from Jack Moore.

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Accrington immediately responded, with Woods adding his second of the afternoon to re-extend their lead and confirm the pre-season win.

Blackpool FC: Dan Grimshaw (71’), Jack Moore, Dan Sassi, Alex Lankshear, CJ Hamilton, Lee Evans (71’), Jaden Jones (45’), Hayden Coulson, Sonny Carey, Ashley Fletcher, Jake Beesley (80’).

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