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Sources: Sheffield Wednesday's David Downes agree Blackpool sporting director role
Sheffield Wednesday’s head of recruitment David Downes has agreed a deal to become sporting director at Blackpool, sources have told Football Insider.
He is set to leave his position at the League One club to join up with the Championship strugglers at Bloomfield Road.
Downes joined up with Wednesday in 2019 after Steve Bruce was appointed as head coach before the manager resigned five months later to take over at Newcastle United.
Downes was previously at Aston Villa who he joined in 2014 before leaving to link up with the Yorkshire club.
During his time at Villa Park, his role focused mainly on youth recruitment and finding youngsters for the club’s academy.
But Downes has played a much more important role in Sheffield, heading up the recruitment arm of the club that was instrumental in the club’s turnaround since their relegation from the Championship in 2021.
The club are currently third in League One ahead of the final game of the season this weekend and are four points adrift of second and five points behind the league leaders.
Downes’ next club Blackpool are languishing at the bottom end of the table and are 23rd with just one game left in the season and are set to be relegated after this weekend.
Blackpool are three points behind Reading, who are also at risk of relegation, ahead of the final game of the season.
Reading themselves are three points from safety behind Huddersfield, who also have a game in hand.
Although the season's not yet finished and we don't know what division we'll be plying out trade in, the first rumour is circulating:
Birmingham City, Blackpool, Portsmouth, and Wigan Athletic all eyeing 15-goal striker
Championship trio Blackpool, Birmingham City, and Wigan Athletic, as well as League One side Portsmouth are all ‘keeping an eye’ on Larne attacker Lee Bonis, reports Daily Mail.
Bonis, 23, currently plays for NIFL Irish Premiership side Larne. His side recently claimed the Northern Irish title and Bonis played a key role in their season, with 15 goals to his name in 33 league outings so far this season.
But transfer insider Simon Jones has now revealed for Daily Mail that there’s growing Football league interest in Bonis ahead of the summer, with Birmingham City, Blackpool, Portsmouth, and Wigan all keen on the Northern Irishman.
Jones goes on to reveal that Larne are commanding around £300,000 for the striker. The race for Bonis…
The Irish leagues are becoming more and more of a hot spot for teams in the English Football League to find up and coming players, with one key example being Portsmouth’s Ronan Curtis.
Bonis certainly looks like a player with potential but whether he could arrive at any of the aforementioned clubs — especially those playing in the Championship next season — remains to be seen.
It looks like Birmingham City are the only team who will be playing in the second tier though. But for Blackpool, Portsmouth, and Wigan, Bonis could certainly come in and do a job for them next season — assuming that all three are playing in League One next time round.
Blackpool and Wigan both picked up impressive wins on Saturday and both remain mathematically in the race for survival, though it looks unlikely — Blackpool are three points from safety and Wigan four, with two games of the season remaining.
Either way, it looks like the summer ahead is an exciting one for Bonis.
‘The end of the road’ — Birmingham City v Blackpool prediction: The72
Birmingham City host Blackpool in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
Birmingham City are one of only three sides in the division who have no mathematical chance of being promoted or relegated heading into the final three games of the season.
The Blues sit in 15th place at the moment after rising above Stoke City and Hull City in the week. John Eustace’s side picked up an impressive victory at Millwall, with Lukas Jutkiewicz netting the decisive goal in a 1-0 win.
As for Blackpool, their fate is all but sealed. The win over Wigan Athletic last weekend kept their faint hopes of survival alive but following a midweek defeat to West Brom, they look destined for a return to the third-tier.
The Tangerines sit in 23rd with three games left, six points away from safety.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game… James Ray
“The Championship knows how to spring a surprise but when it comes to Blackpool, they’re too far gone now. Away to Birmingham City, I think this could be the end of the road for the Tangerines.
“Eustace’s side haven’t lost any of their last three at home and have still managed some decent results despite the fact that their Championship status is sealed.
“I can see them claiming a narrow in here, sending the visitors down in the process.”
Score prediction: Birmingham City 1-0 Blackpool
Luke Phelps
“Sorry to say, but I think Blackpool are done this season. It’s not been easy for them, and they’ve given it a good go in the latter part of this season, but it seems like too little too late for them.
“Birmingham City on the other hand are flying. There seems to be a really positive mood at the club right now and if they can creep up into 14th by the end of the season, it’ll mark a good first campaign for John Eustace.
“I fancy them to nick another win here — they’re in form and full of optimism right now, whereas Blackpool look destined for League One.”
Blackpool Football Club can announce that Brett Gerrity has decided to step down from his position on the Board of Directors.
Reflecting on his time at Bloomfield Road, Gerrity said:
“This has been a very difficult decision for me to make, but I feel now is the right time for me to leave the Club and enjoy watching my beloved Blackpool FC as a supporter in the stands once again.
“It has been a wonderful experience being on the Board over the past four years, having enjoyed some memorable days, particularly the promotion season and that special day at Wembley.
“I’d like to thank Simon and Ben for all of their support and wish them both, as well as all of the staff, every success going forward.”
Owner Simon Sadler said:
“Brett and I have a long-standing friendship over many years, and I was delighted when he decided to join me on this journey when I became custodian of the football club back in 2019.
“His personal and professional contribution has been of immense help to me, and his efforts have been invaluable in supporting the Club’s progress over the past four years. I thank him for all of his hard work and dedication.”
All at the Club thank Brett for everything whilst in post at Blackpool Football Club and wish him the very best for the future.
Blackpool will look to make it back-to-back victories at Bloomfield Road when they take on West Brom on Tuesday night.
The Seasiders continue to fight for survival in the Sky Bet Championship as the Baggies remain in the mix for a play-off place.
Stephen Dobbie picked up his first win as Interim Head Coach against Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
One to Watch - John Swift:
The former Reading midfielder was bound to make an impact with West Brom and he has done such with five goals and seven assists. One of the most talented midfielders in the Sky Bet Championship, Swift will no doubt remain a pivotal figure for the remainder of the campaign.
The Manager - Carlos Corberan:
After staging a remarkable play-off bid with Huddersfield Town where they eventually lost to Nottingham Forest in the 2022 Sky Bet Championhip play-off final, Corberan resigned and took charge of Olympiakos. An unsuccessful stint in Greece saw him return to England with the Baggies where he has taken them from relegation candidates to a top-half side.
The Referee - Stephen Martin:
Martin has taken charge of 18 games so far this campaign, mainly in the Sky Bet Championship, handing out 70 yellow cards and three red cards in the process.
The official last took charge of the Seasiders in the 1-0 win over Swansea City in March 2022.
Team News:
James Husband is likely to miss the game following surgery on nerve damage suffered in the victory over Wigan Athletic. Tom Trybull, Rob After and Marvin Ekpiteta returned to training on Monday. Gary Madine and Jake Beesley will miss the remainder of the season through injury.
Tickets:
Supporters still to purchase tickets for the match can do so prior to kick-off from the ticket office, by calling 01253 599745 or online here.
Match Sponsors:
Our thanks go to Match Sponsors DTM and Matchball Sponsors Go Electrical.
Other ways to follow the action:
If you’re unable to make the game, audio commentary passes are available for those inside the UK & Ireland with match streaming passes also available to those inside and outside the UK & Ireland on Tangerine TV.
Blackpool supporters can take advantage of a new offer on beer and cider on match days at Bloomfield Road for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.
All non-premium draught beer and cider (Fosters, John Smiths, Strongbow and Strongbow Dark Fruits) will be on sale for just £3 in all of the home concourses from 6:15pm until 7:15pm.
Please note, this offer is exclusive to home fans only.
Funnily enough, Rob Edwards is Luton's manager .... That could've been us.
Match Preview: Luton Town (A)
Blackpool make the trip to take on Luton Town on Easter Monday in the Sky Bet Championship.
With the Seasiders looking to aim for survival in the second tier for another season, Rob Edwards' Hatters are aiming to cement a play-off place.
The Seasiders last outing at Kenilworth Road saw a combative performance earn a 1-1 draw via a Gary Madine penalty last season.
One to Watch - Carlton Morris:
Morris has been a dominant force in the forward line for Luton Town in the Sky Bet Championship this campaign with 16 league goals asserting that view.
Five assists on top of his scoring exploits makes him a real all-rounder and a threat to any side in the division at this point.
The Manager - Rob Edwards:
The former Seasiders defender has had a bright start to life as a Football League manager. Promotion from Sky Bet League Two with Forest Green last season saw Edwards come to the attention of Watford as they looked for a sharp return to the Premier League.
With an indifferent spell at Vicarage Road, it didn't take long for another side in the second tier to look at his services with Luton Town looking for him to build on the work of Nathan Jones. Edwards has succeeded thus far including a win over his old Club and Luton's rivals Watford.
The Referee - Andy Davies
Davies has taken charge of 20 games so far this campaign with the majority in the Sky Bet Championship, handing out 72 yellow cards and two red cards in the process.
The official's last match involving the Seasiders was the 2-1 defeat at Wigan Athletic in November where Marvin Ekpiteta was sent off in the first half.
Team News:
Gary Madine and Jake Beesley have both been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Tickets:
Tickets have now gone off-sale but supporters wishing to pay on the day can do so by calling Luton Town ticket office between 10am and 12:30pm on Monday. Digital tickets are available as well as collection at the away turnstile upon entry. Call 01582 416976.
Other ways to follow the action:
Match streaming passes and audio commentary passes are available for those both inside and outside the UK & Ireland on Tangerine TV.
The gazette have published a possible return for Critchley.
Not for me. I thought Critchley abandoned his principles stuck with a prosaic 4-4-2 for too long.
It was a good move at first and brought success but he should've been looking at / and preparing the squad for a return to his more progressive beliefs.
Blackpool take on Cardiff City at Bloomfield Road as they look to edge closer to survival in the Sky Bet Championship.
The Seasiders will be keen to avenge Lancashire derby defeat against Mick McCarthy's former side with the Bluebirds looking over their shoulder in the table.
Cardiff come into the game following a 99th minute defeat to rivals Swansea City.
One to Watch - Ryan Wintle:
A familiar face to Seasiders following his loan spell at Bloomfield Road last campaign, Wintle will be a key player in the heart of midfield for Cardiff City.
Wintle has established himself with the Bluebirds after initially being out of the picture with two goals and three assists to his name in the league so far this season.
The Manager - Sabri Lamouchi:
Lamouchi is Cardiff's third manager of the campaign with Steve Morison and Mark Hudson both departing from the Bluebirds earlier in the campaign.
The Frenchman has had an interesting managerial career path with spells at Ivory Coast and Rennes behind him as well as English experience with Nottingham Forest.
The Referee - Josh Smith:
Josh Smith has taken charge of 28 games so far handing out 121 yellow cards and four red cards so far this season, with the majority of his games in the Sky Bet Championship.
Smith last took charge of the Seasiders in the 0-0 home draw with Rotherham United, whilst he is also remembered for taking charge of Blackpool's 1-1 home draw with QPR last season.
Team News:
Gary Madine is out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, whilst Jake Beesley will also miss the remainder of the campaign.
Tickets:
Supporters still to purchase tickets for the match can do so prior to kick-off from the ticket office should they have a prior purchase history, by calling 01253 599745 or online here.
Match Sponsors:
Our thanks go to Match Sponsors Heineken and Matchball Sponsors Willis & Thornley Ltd.
There are only 4 matches to be played in March, leading up to the international break when England will be playing 2 European Championship qualifying matches away in Italy and at home against Ukraine.
Saturday 4th March Blackpool v Burnley
Saturday 11th March Bristol City v Blackpool
Tuesday 14th March Blackpool v Queens Park Rangers
Blackpool are back in action at Bloomfield Road against Tony Mowbray's Sunderland on New Years Day.
The Seasiders will be looking to kick off 2023 with three points against a Black Cats side they impressed against during the 0-0 reverse fixture earlier in the season.
The visitors sit in mid-table as Mowbray has looked to steer the ship following Alex Neil's departure.
One to watch - Ross Stewart:
Stewart's injury midway through the season disrupted Sunderland's progress but he marked his return where he left off on the scoresheet.
Sunderland's top scorer despite playing just ten Championship games this season, the Scottish forward has continued with the form that saw him play a pivotal role in Sunderland's promotion from League One as he looks to make a mark on the international stage before long.
The Head Coach - Tony Mowbray:
Mowbray's summer departure from Blackburn Rovers after a successful number of years in charge at Ewood Park evidently stood him in good stead to quickly return to Sky Bet Championship work.
Taking the role at the Stadium of Light following Alex Neil's decision to depart for Stoke City, Mowbray has made steady progress during his early months, particularly now with the return of his goalscoring pair of Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms from injury.
Mowbray is a vastly experienced number one with time at West Bromwich Albion, Celtic and Middlesbrough seeing him build projects over time.
The Referee - Tim Robinson:
Robinson has handed out 72 yellow cards and four red cards during his 18 games so far this season, the majority of which came in the Sky Bet Championship.
His last game in charge of the Seasiders came in the 0-1 home defeat to Luton Town in early November.
Team News:
Jordan Thorniley is available once again following a one-match suspension for his red card at Hull City on Boxing Day.
Two sides in contrasting runs of form will do battle at Bloomfield Road on Thursday, as Sheffield United travel to take on Blackpool.
The visitors sit eight points clear of third-placed Blackburn Rovers in the Championship table courtesy of four straight league victories, while their hosts have not managed a win in their last seven attempts and find themselves in the relegation zone.
Match preview
Blackpool come into Thursday's contest in a concerning position, with the Tangerines remaining in the bottom three of the Championship table having gone seven league matches without a victory.
That run dates back to late October, as a win away at Coventry City was followed by four consecutive defeats heading into the World Cup break, with Michael Appleton's men falling at the hands of West Bromwich Albion, Luton Town, Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic to sit on 22 points from 21 second-tier outings.
On their return to action, Blackpool set about to end their wait for a seventh Championship win of the campaign, but they have been unable to do so thus far, firstly playing out a goalless stalemate with Birmingham City before drawing 1-1 away at Cardiff City thanks to Gary Madine's second-half equaliser.
They would then travel to take on fellow strugglers Hull City on Boxing Day and went 1-0 up in the first half through Sonny Carey, but Jordan Thorniley was sent off soon after half time and Oscar Estupinan found the net for the hosts in the final 15 minutes to force a share of the spoils and extend the Tangerines' tough run.
While they may take positives from three draws on the bounce, Blackpool remain two points adrift of safety as a result of that Estupinan equaliser and now find themselves desperate to end a seven-match winless run, although they face a particularly tough test against one of the league's form sides.
Sheffield United make the trip looking to extend an eye-catching run of form in their bid for automatic promotion, having enjoyed a perfect record since the return from the World Cup break.
The Blades were already in a strong position going into the break, as a win away at Cardiff City left them second with 38 points from 21 games, and they have returned to action with three further victories from their three matches in December thus far, firstly beating Huddersfield Town 1-0 thanks to Billy Sharp's first-half goal.
Sharp was again on the scoresheet in the following trip to Wigan Athletic, extending their lead to 2-0 after John Egan's opener, and the Blades eventually stood strong to see out a 2-1 victory after the hosts pulled one back.
Looking to make it four league wins on the bounce and further strengthen their position in the automatic promotion spots, Paul Heckingbottom's side most recently took on Coventry City on Boxing Day, and they looked set to cruise to a dominant triumph as James McAtee, Ciaran Clark and Tommy Doyle put them three goals ahead.
Viktor Gyokeres would pull one back for their visitors with 15 minutes to go, and centre-back John Egan was then dismissed after a second yellow card, but the Blades again stood strong to pick up all three points, leaving them eight clear of third-placed Blackburn Rovers, and they will now go in search of a fifth straight league win and their 15th of the season when they travel to Bloomfield Road on Thursday.
Blackpool Championship form: L L L D D D
Sheffield United Championship form: W L W W W W
Blackpool have an unenviable list of absentees to deal with on Thursday, as Jordan Gabriel, Kevin Stewart, Lewis Fiorini, Keshi Anderson, Liam Bridcutt and Theo Corbeanu are all expected to sit out through injuries, while defender Jordan Thorniley is suspended following his red card against Hull City.
Those absences leave the Tangerines light in midfield, and Sonny Carey and Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino will again have to play important roles, with Kenny Dougall also likely to come in from the outset after Jake Beesley and Ian Poveda were both deployed to support the front two last time out.
Gary Madine will lead the line against the side he helped to win promotion to the Premier League in the 2018-19 season, alongside Jerry Yates, who has notched up nine league goals so far this season.
Sheffield United will travel to Bloomfield Road without key centre-back John Egan, who is also suspended after being sent off in their victory over Coventry, and in the absence of defenders Jack Robinson, Jack O'Connell and Rhys Norrington-Davies, Chris Basham will come in from the outset to join Ciaran Clark and Anel Ahmedhodzic in a back three.
Further forward, Oliver Norwood will certainly keep his place at the base of midfield, while James McAtee will come in with renewed confidence after scoring his second goal of the season last time out, and Tommy Doyle is also pushing to come in from the start having scored off the bench on Boxing Day after returning from an injury.
Iliman Ndiaye will again play a key role in the attack, having contributed assists in three consecutive games to take his tally to five alongside nine league goals so far this season, while Billy Sharp may continue to partner the Senegal international up front with Oli McBurnie, who also boasts nine Championship goals this term, being a doubt through injury, while Rhian Brewster also remains sidelined.
Sheffield United possible starting lineup: Foderingham; Basham, Ahmedhodzic, Clark; Baldock, McAtee, Norwood, Doyle, Lowe; Sharp, Ndiaye
Prediction:
We say: Blackpool 0-2 Sheffield United
Both sides have several important players out of action for Thursday's contest, and even away from home, we can only see the Blades triumphing for a fifth straight victory.
Heckingbottom's side are full of confidence and boast more quality than their visitors, and we envisage them returning home with another three-point haul.
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