Evatt brings in familiar face after Munroe loan
Blackpool have bolstered their squad ahead of Saturday’s League One curtain-raiser, adding a season-long loan defender and a goalkeeper with ties to Bolton. The additions come as manager Ian Evatt prepares his side to face Wycombe Wanderers.
Finley Munroe, 21, has joined Bloomfield Road on loan from Middlesbrough. The full-back made an impression during the first half of last season while on loan at Swindon Town, registering strong attacking numbers for a defender, before completing a move to the Riverside in the transfer window.
Evatt said the Seasiders had tracked the youngster for some time and had even tried to secure his services earlier in the season. He admitted Blackpool were unable to match Middlesbrough when that move materialised, but that current circumstances had opened the door for a temporary switch.
“Fin is a player we’ve looked at for a long time … he’s a talented kid. He’s had one or two little niggles in pre-season so we have to be slightly cautious with him,” Evatt said.
Bolton connection: Southwood returns to Evatt’s fold
Less than 24 hours after Munroe’s arrival, Blackpool confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Luke Southwood from Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee. Southwood, 28, previously played under Evatt during the manager’s stint at Bolton Wanderers, creating a notable local connection for supporters in the North West.
Southwood is understood to join Blackpool as cover following the departure of Franco Ravizzoli to Leicester City and will compete for a place alongside Bailey Peacock-Farrell. His experience working with Evatt at Bolton will be familiar to many Wanderers followers who saw the tactical approaches and training methods the manager favours.
- Finley Munroe — season-long loan from Middlesbrough; 21; attacker-minded defender after successful spell at Swindon.
- Luke Southwood — signed from Bristol Rovers; 28; previously coached by Ian Evatt at Bolton Wanderers.
- Squad role — Munroe available for selection with cautious management of minor pre-season knocks; Southwood provides goalkeeper cover.
What this means locally
For Bolton locals, the headline is familiarity. Evatt’s decision to bring in someone he has worked with before underlines the trust managers place in professionals they know, and it is a reminder of the links between clubs in the North West. Southwood’s arrival at Bloomfield Road brings a player who experienced Evatt’s methods at Bolton back under the same stewardship.
Blackpool’s recruitment also signals their intent to start the League One campaign competitively. Bringing in a defender with attacking output and a goalkeeper with experience of Evatt’s system addresses immediate squad needs — particularly as the Seasiders replace outgoing personnel and contend with the usual pre-season niggles.
| Player | From | Age | Role at Blackpool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finley Munroe | Middlesbrough (loan) | 21 | Defensive option; available but managed cautiously |
| Luke Southwood | Bristol Rovers | 28 | Goalkeeper; cover and competition for No.1 |
Evatt acknowledged there are still areas of the squad he wishes to strengthen, but indicated there is time to do more business. For local supporters across Bolton and the wider North West, the movement of players — especially ones connected to Wanderers — is a reminder of the small world of English football and how managerial relationships frequently shape transfer activity.
As Blackpool prepare for Wycombe, Munroe’s fitness and Southwood’s integration will be watched closely. For Bolton fans who followed Southwood’s time under Evatt, his reunion will be of particular interest as the new League One season gets under way.
