2021–22 Blackpool F.C. season

The 2021–22 Blackpool F.C. season was the club's 113th season in the English Football League, and their first season back in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English professional football, after winning the EFL League One play-offs.[1][2] The season covered the period from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. It was head coach Neil Critchley's second full season in charge.

Blackpool
2021–22 season
Owner and chairmanSimon Sadler
Head coachNeil Critchley
StadiumBloomfield Road
Championship16th
FA CupThird round
EFL CupSecond round
Top goalscorerLeague: Gary Madine (9)
All: Shayne Lavery (10)

Blackpool began the season by picking up two points from a possible 15 during August, with draws at Bristol City and Bournemouth, and defeats at home to Cardiff City and Coventry City and at Millwall. They reached the second round of the EFL Cup, after beating Middlesbrough in the first round, but exited at the hands of Sunderland. They finished August in 22nd place in the Championship table.

By contrast, Blackpool lost only once in September. In the league, they claimed ten points out of a possible 15, with victories at home to Fulham and Barnsley, and at Middlesbrough. A 3–0 home defeat to Huddersfield Town and a 1–1 draw at Hull City were the other two results. September was closed out with the club in 14th place in the table.

In October, the club's uptick in form continued as they won four of their five Championship fixtures, beating Blackburn Rovers (home), Reading (away), local rivals Preston North End and newly relegated Sheffield United (away). They lost at Nottingham Forest in the second fixture of the run. They finished October in sixth place in the table.

November returned three points from a possible fifteen, after three draws (at home to Q.P.R. and West Brom, and at Swansea City) were bookended by defeats at home to Stoke City and at Birmingham City. They finished November in 11th place in the table. Neil Critchley also signed a new, four-year contract with the club this month.

From the fifteen points available during December, Blackpool picked up three, from a 3–1 home victory over Peterborough United. Defeats occurred at home to Luton Town, at Derby County and Huddersfield, and at home to Middlesbrough. They finished the year in 13th place, albeit having played several games more than the teams around them.

In contrast to the end of 2021, Blackpool began the first month of 2022 unbeaten (in the league, at least), after consecutive single-goal home victories against Hull City and Millwall, followed up with a draw at league leaders Fulham. They exited the FA Cup at the third-round stage (the round in which they entered) on 8 January, at the hands of Hartlepool United.

February returned eight points from a possible eighteen, with wins at home to Bristol City and Reading, draws at Coventry City and Cardiff City and defeats at home to Bournemouth and at QPR.

Blackpool began March with two successive single-goal victories, at Stoke City and at home to Swansea City. A goalless draw, at Sheffield United, followed. Due to an international break, only nine points were available in March, of which Blackpool picked up seven.

April proved to be slim pickings for points, with only eight obtained from a possible 24. Victories came at home to Birmingham City and at Barnsley; draws were gained at Blackburn Rovers and Luton Town; while the four defeats came at home to Nottingham Forest, at Preston and West Bromwich Albion, and at home to Derby County.

Since Blackpool had eight fixtures in April, they had only one in the final month of the season. They lost 5–0 at already relegated Peterborough United, a result for which Neil Critchley and captain Chris Maxwell apologised to the travelling fans. They finished the season in 16th place in the Championship.

Pre-season

Blackpool announced they would have friendly matches against Squires Gate,[3] Southport,[3] Newport County,[3] Rangers,[4] Carlisle United,[3] Burnley,[5] Bamber Bridge[3] and Morecambe[3] as part of the club's pre-season preparations.

Accrington Stanley replaced Newport County in a change that was made on 16 July. The same day, the planned friendly against Bamber Bridge was cancelled.[6]

Irish defender Richard Keogh joined the club on 17 July following his release by Huddersfield Town.[7]

The Rangers friendly was cancelled on 19 July after a COVID-19 outbreak amongst the Blackpool squad.[8]

Former Scotland international Stuart McCall joined the club as assistant head coach to Neil Critchley on 22 July 2021, replacing the departed Colin Calderwood. McCall's father, Andy, played for the club in the 1940s and 1950s, and his sister was born in the town.[9]

Striker Tyreece John-Jules joined on a season-long loan from Arsenal on 29 July.[10]

A behind-closed-doors friendly was arranged against Manchester City on 3 August.[11]

Results

Blackpool's visit to nearby Squires Gate on 9 July ended in a 7–0 victory for the Tangerines, the goals coming from seven different players: Harrison, Mariette, Matshazi, Francis, Bange, Yelegon and Nyame.[12]

Another local derby, at Southport, the following day saw Blackpool win 2–0. The goals came from Demetri Mitchell and new signing Shayne Lavery. The visitors, who named different starting line-ups for each half, played most of the second with ten men, after CJ Hamilton went off with an injury.[13]

A visit to Accrington Stanley on 17 July ended in a 3–1 defeat. Demetri Mitchell scored the visitors' goal, from the penalty spot.[14] The same day, veteran defender Richard Keogh joined the club on a free transfer.

Blackpool travelled north to face Carlisle United on 24 July. Demetri Mitchell scored his third goal in the four fixtures in what was the only goal of the game.[15]

On 27 July, Burnley visited Bloomfield Road, and they returned east with a single-goal victory.[16]

On 29 July, 20-year-old forward Tyreece John-Jules joined on loan from Arsenal for the season.

Pre-season continued with a 1–1 draw at Morecambe on 31 July[17] (the visitors' goal coming from CJ Hamilton) and concluded with a 4–1 defeat at Premier League champions Manchester City on 3 August. Luke Garbutt scored Blackpool's goal from the penalty spot.[18]

"It was so demanding. I was really impressed with Blackpool – they have a young side with quality. They lost two or three balls in the build-up in the first minutes, but continued to do it. They did really well. We played against a good side – they did very well in many things, especially in the build-up. We had to do things to regain the ball as quick as possible."

— Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after the match[19]

In detail

9 July 2021 Friendly Squires Gate 0–7 Blackpool XI Squires Gate
19:30 BSTReportHarrison 22'
Mariette 35'
Matshazi 57'
Francis 72'
Bange 79'
Yelegon 81'
Nyame 83'
Stadium: School Road
10 July 2021 Friendly Southport 0–2 Blackpool Blowick
15:00 BSTReportMitchell 6'
Lavery 76'
Stadium: Pure Stadium
17 July 2021 Friendly Accrington Stanley 3–1 Blackpool Behind-closed-doors
12:30 BSTReportMitchell (pen.)Attendance: 0
21 July 2021 Friendly Blackpool P–P Rangers Blackpool
19:00 BSTStadium: Bloomfield Road
Note: Match was later cancelled.[8]
24 July 2021 Friendly Carlisle United 0–1 Blackpool Carlisle
15:00 BSTReportMitchell 35'Stadium: Brunton Park
27 July 2021 Friendly Blackpool 0–1 Burnley Blackpool
19:45 BSTReportThomas 15'Stadium: Bloomfield Road
30 July 2021 Friendly Bamber Bridge P–P Blackpool XI Bamber Bridge
19:30 BSTStadium: Sir Tom Finney Stadium
Note: Match was later cancelled.[6]
31 July 2021 Friendly Morecambe 1–1 Blackpool Morecambe
15:00 BSTMcDonald 19'ReportHamilton 56'Stadium: Mazuma Stadium
3 August 2021 Friendly Manchester City 4–1 Blackpool Manchester
18:00 BSTEdozie 3'
Mahrez 48'
Gundogan 58', 76'
ReportGarbutt 21' (pen.)Stadium: Academy Stadium
Attendance: 0

Season proper

August

Blackpool opened their league campaign with a 1–1 draw at Nigel Pearson's Bristol City on 7 August. Chris Martin put the hosts ahead just before the interval, and the score remained that way until the fourth minute of injury time, when second-half substitute Shayne Lavery scored on his debut. Blackpool were eighth place at the final whistle,[20] but dropped to thirteenth after the remaining fixtures were played.

Middlesbrough visited Bloomfield Road in the first round of the EFL Cup on 11 August. Blackpool won 3–0, with goals from Callum Connolly, Shayne Lavery and Keshi Anderson.[21]

On 13 August, Ewan Bange was loaned out to Bamber Bridge.[22]

Mick McCarthy's Cardiff City were next up at the seaside, and they returned to Wales with all three points after a 2–0 victory.[23]

A second-successive Championship defeat followed on 17 August, 1–0 at home at the hands of Coventry City. Blackpool did climb, to 22nd, after other results that evening.[24]

Blackpool made the long trip to Bournemouth on 21 August, and found themselves two goals down inside twenty minutes after a double from Dominic Solanke. Goals from James Husband and Jerry Yates (penalty) levelled matters,[25] giving the visitors their second point from a possible twelve since the start of the league campaign.

Three days later, Blackpool exited the EFL Cup at the second-round stage after losing 3–2 at home to Sunderland, whose Aiden O'Brien rounded out his hat-trick with a 92nd-minute winner.[26]

A third League defeat in Blackpool's opening five fixtures occurred at Millwall on 28 August. The visitors' Callum Connolly was sent off on 14 minutes, but Blackpool took the lead, with Shayne Lavery's fourth goal of the season, eleven minutes into the second half. Jed Wallace levelled for the Lions on 63 minutes from a free-kick. Jake Cooper scored the winner in the final minute.[27]

On transfer-deadline day, 31 August, Blackpool brought in four players: Jordan Gabriel (returning after being on loan at the club the previous season) in a permanent, four-year deal, while Ryan Wintle (Cardiff City), Dujon Sterling (Chelsea) and Owen Dale (Crewe Alexandra) joined on loan.

September

On 9 September, Blackpool named their 25-man squad. Due to injuries to Matty Virtue, Grant Ward and Gary Madine, three spaces were left open.[28]

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Grimshaw, Chris Maxwell, Stuart Moore. Defenders: Callum Connolly, Marvin Ekpiteta, Jordan Gabriel, Luke Garbutt, Daniel Gretarsson, James Husband, Reece James, Richard Keogh, Dujon Sterling (loan). Midfielders: Keshi Anderson, Josh Bowler, Owen Dale (loan), Kenny Dougall, Demetri Mitchell, Kevin Stewart, Ryan Wintle (loan). Forwards: Tyreece John-Jules (loan), Shayne Lavery, Jerry Yates.[28] Gary Madine, injured since last season, was registered just before the Huddersfield fixture on 14 September. He was named on the bench for that match.[29]

The under-21s:

Goalkeepers: Charlie Monks. Defenders: Oliver Casey, Ryan Grant, Cameron Hill, Sky Sinclair. Midfielders: Cameron Antwi, Rob Apter, Sonny Carey, Luke Mariette, Matthew Liptrott. Forwards: Ewan Bange, Brad Holmes, Johnny Johnston.[28]

Also on 9 September, youth defender Charlie Penman joined Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.[30]

Division leaders Fulham visited Bloomfield Road on 11 September. Josh Bowler's second-half strike gave Blackpool their first League win of the season, while also handing the visitors their first League defeat. The hosts climbed three places to 19th.[31]

A 3–0 home defeat followed to Huddersfield Town on 14 September.[32]

Blackpool's second league victory of the campaign was achieved at Middlesbrough on 18 September. Marcus Tavernier put Boro ahead inside ten minutes, but a goal from Marvin Ekpiteta and own goal by former Blackpool loanee Grant Hall gave Blackpool the three points.[33]

A second consecutive victory followed at home to Barnsley on 25 September. Shayne Lavery's 32nd-minute strike was the only goal of the game. Blackpool climbed to 14th place.[34]

A trip to Hull City resulted in a 1–1 draw, after Blackpool led for over half the game and despite the hosts being reduced to ten men with twenty minutes remaining. Shayne Lavery scored for Blackpool.[35]

October

Blackpool opened October with a 2–1 home victory over East Lancashire neighbours Blackburn Rovers, their first victory over Tony Mowbray's side in nine years. Shayne Lavery scored his seventh goal in all domestic competitions the opening strike on four minutes. He pulled his hamstring shortly afterwards, and his substitute Jerry Yates double the hosts' lead twenty minutes later. Ben Brereton halved Rovers' deficit five minutes into the second half, but Blackpool held on for their fourth victory in their last six League fixtures. They climbed to 12th place.[36]

On 7 October 2021, Australian international Kenny Dougall signed a new two-year contract with the club.[37]

An unbeaten run of four games came to an end at the City Ground on 16 October as Nottingham Forest won their third Championship fixture in a row. Blackpool dropped three places to 15th.

Three points were picked up at Reading's Madejski Stadium on 20 October, despite being two goals down at half time. Second-half strikes from debutant Owen Dale and a double from Jerry Yates turned the scoreline around. The visitors climbed three places to 12th.[38]

A second-consecutive victory followed three days later in a West Lancashire derby clash with Preston North End at Bloomfield Road, the first such fixture since February 2010 and Blackpool's first victory over their rivals in 24 years. Goals from Keshi Anderson and Gary Madine (his first goal in nine months) gave Blackpool the three points, as they climbed to 11th in the table. There were ten bookings and one dismissal. The visitors' Alan Browne saw red deep in injury time for his part in a post-tackle scuffle.[39]

Blackpool finished October with a third-straight victory, defeating Sheffield United at Bramall Lane by a single goal. Keshi Anderson found the net for the second-consecutive match as the visitors climbed five places to sixth with the three points.[40]

November

The fourth month of the season began with a single-goal home defeat to Stoke City. Blackpool dropped four places to tenth.[41]

Blackpool held onto tenth place after a 1–1 draw with QPR at Bloomfield Road on 6 November. Gary Madine scored his second goal of the season (and the 100th of his career),[42] from the penalty spot, after the visitors had gone ahead.[43]

On 9 November, Ewan Bange joined AFC Telford on loan.[44]

After an international break, another draw followed at Swansea City on 20 November. Keshi Anderson levelled for the visitors in the second half with his fourth goal of the season. Blackpool remained in tenth position.[45]

A third-successive draw, this time goalless, followed on 23 November against West Bromwich Albion. Blackpool climbed one place to ninth with the result,[46] but dropped to 11th after the following evening's games.

On 25 November, assistant head coach Stuart McCall left Blackpool to become assistant manager to Paul Heckingbottom at Sheffield United.[47]

The final game of the month was a single-goal defeat at Birmingham City on 27 November. Blackpool dropped to 11th place with the result.[48]

December

Blackpool dropped four places to 15th after a 3–0 home defeat to Luton Town on 4 December.[49]

A third-straight defeat, at Wayne Rooney's bottom side Derby County, followed on 10 December. Their fourth defeat in their last seven games, Blackpool dropped two places to 17th.[50]

A 3–1 victory over Peterborough United on 18 December lifted the Seasiders five places to 12th, although several matches were postponed after a COVID-19 outbreak across the country.[51]

Two consecutives defeats followed — at Huddersfield Town on 27 December[52] and, two days later, at home to Middlesbrough.[53]

January

2022 was rung in with a single-goal victory over Hull City at Bloomfield Road, Gary Madine's penalty just after the half-hour mark proving decisive. Blackpool climbed to 12th place with the three points, although they had now played four more games than the teams immediately below them and three more than the two teams above them.[54]

On 3 January, Ryan Wintle returned to Cardiff City after being recalled. Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Rob Apter was loaned out to Chester, initially until 31 January, but this was later extended until the end of the season.[55] Four days later, another midfielder, Matthew Liptrott, joined Stalybridge Celtic, while right-back Jack Moore joined Radcliffe, both on loan.

Blackpool exited the FA Cup at the first hurdle, after losing 2–1 at Hartlepool United on 8 January in a third-round tie.[56]

Jake Beesley joined the club, for an undisclosed fee, from Rochdale on 10 January. The following day, midfielder Tayt Trusty joined Radcliffe on loan, linking up with his Blackpool teammate Jack Moore.

On 13 January, Owen Dale, having briefly returned to Crewe at the end of his four-month loan spell, made his move to Blackpool permanent.

On 17 January, Tyreece John-Jules had his loan from Arsenal ended, having not featured for several months,[57] while Ethan Robson was recalled from his season-long loan at MK Dons.[58] The following day, Teddy Howe was released by mutual consent.[59]

Ewan Bange was loaned out, for the third time, on 21 January, this time to F.C. United of Manchester.

Returning to league duty on 22 January, Blackpool beat Millwall by a single Shayne Lavery goal to make it three victories in their last five league games. Blackpool remained 12th.[60]

On 24 January, Jordan Thorniley was recalled from his loan at Oxford United. He filled the spot in Blackpool's 25-man squad that was made by Demetri Mitchell's departure to Hibernian later the same day.[61]

Two days later, Oliver Sarkic became the second player this month to have his contract mutually terminated.[62] He was one of four of-age players not registered in the club's 25-man squad. The other three being Joe Nuttall, Bez Lubala and the long-term-injured Grant Ward.

Winger Charlie Kirk joined, initially on loan until the end of the season, from Charlton Athletic on 27 January.[63]

On 29 January, Blackpool picked up a point at table-toppers Fulham. They ended the month in 14th place.[64]

Transfer-deadline day saw three outgoings: Joe Nuttall departed for Scunthorpe United for an undisclosed fee;[65] Sky Sinclair headed out on loan for the second time, this time to Nantwich Town until March;[66] and Bez Lubala went on loan to Northampton Town until the end of the season.[67] There was one arrival: centre-back Douglas Tharme from Southport. He was immediately loaned back to the Sandgrounders until the end of the season.[68]

February

Blackpool made it ten points out of a possible twelve over their last four matches with a 3–1 home victory over Bristol City on 5 February. CJ Hamilton opened the scoring, followed two minutes later by a header from Gary Madine. Josh Bowler, subject of a £3-million bid on transfer-deadline day, made it three just after the restart. Bristol City pulled one back five minutes from time. The match had eight bookings, evenly split between the two clubs. Blackpool climbed to 13th.[69]

A 1–1 draw at Coventry City on 8 February made it five games unbeaten. Gary Madine put the visitors ahead, his second goal in as many games. Blackpool dropped one place to 14th.[70]

The following day, 45-year-old Iain Brunskill was installed as assistant head coach to Neil Critchley. Brunskill had formerly been Liverpool's Assistant Academy Technical Director for a decade.[71]

On 12 February, Blackpool hosted second-placed Bournemouth. After taking the lead through Josh Bowler, with his third goal in four matches, the visitors scored two late goals to take the three points. It was Blackpool's first league defeat of 2022.[72]

A visit to Cardiff on 19 February resulted in a point from a 1–1 draw.[73]

A midweek visit to the capital to face QPR saw the Tangerines returning home with a defeat, after conceding a goal to Luke Amos in the final minute of normal time.[74]

On 26 February, Paul Ince and Tom Ince returned to Bloomfield Road with Reading. After going behind, the Seasiders came back to win 4–1, with goals from Marvin Ekpiteta, Gary Madine, Shayne Lavery and Josh Bowler.[75]

March

Josh Bowler scored the only goal of the game, and his sixth in his last eight games, as Blackpool beat Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium. They climbed to 14th with the three points.[76]

On 12 March, Blackpool attained three consecutive league victories for the second time in the campaign with a single-goal scoreline at home Swansea City. Gary Madine scored after four minutes, lifting the Tangerines two places to 12th.[77]

Four days later, Sheffield United travelled over the Pennines for Blackpool's final game before a two-week break. In what was Neil Critchley's 100th match as Blackpool manager, the spoils were shared in a goalless draw.[78]

April

After a two-and-a-half-week break, Blackpool hosted Nottingham Forest on 2 April. The visitors won 4–1, with Callum Connolly scoring the Tangerines' consolation in the closing stages. Blackpool dropped one place to 14th.[79]

On 5 April, Blackpool travelled to Preston North End. They lost by a single goal, and dropped two places to 16th.

Four days later, they were involved in another Lancashire derby, this time at Blackburn Rovers. The match finished 1–1, with Blackpool's goal, an equaliser, coming from the boot of Marvin Ekpiteta. It was his fourth goal of the season. Blackpool remained 16th.[80]

A third defeat in four matches, this time at West Bromwich Albion, was followed by a 6–1 victory over Birmingham City at Bloomfield Road on 18 April. Jake Beesley, on his first start at home, scored twice, with the other four goals coming from CJ Hamilton, Kenny Dougall (his first since the play-off final of the previous season), a penalty from Jerry Yates and a 35-yard free-kick from Callum Connolly.[81]

Gary Madine signed a one-year extension to his contract on 16 April, with an option for a further twelve months.[82]

On 23 April, Blackpool drew 1–1 at Luton Town, Gary Madine scoring from the penalty spot for the visitors.[83]

Blackpool travelled to Barnsley on 26 April. Goals from Owen Dale and Oliver Casey gave Blackpool the three points. They climbed one place to 15th, above arch-rivals Preston North End, with the three points.[84] Matty Virtue made his first start for the club in over a year, having been out injured.

Four days later, Blackpool rounded off their home campaign with a 2–0 defeat to Derby County. Gary Madine missed a penalty that would have put the hosts ahead.[85]

May

On 7 May, Blackpool travelled to Peterborough United for their final fixture of the campaign. Posh, already relegated to League One, won 5-0. After the match, both Neil Critchley and captain Chris Maxwell apologised to the travelling fans for what was described as their "worst display" of the season.[86] Blackpool finished 16th in the Championship.

Three days later, the club announced its retained list for the following season. Released were goalkeeper Charlie Monks, defenders Ryan Grant and Sky Sinclair (son of former Seasider Trevor Sinclair), midfielders Cameron Antwi, Matthew Liptrott, Ethan Robson and Grant Ward, and forward Johnny Johnston. Contract options were exercised on goalkeeper Stuart Moore, defenders Richard Keogh and Jordan Thorniley, midfielders Keshi Anderson and Josh Bowler, and forwards Ewan Bange and Brad Holmes. Loanees Charlie Kirk (Charlton Athletic) and Dujon Sterling (Chelsea) returned to their respective clubs.[87]

Competitions

Championship

League table
PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
13Preston North End461616145256−464
14Stoke City461711185752+562
15Swansea City461613175868−1061
16Blackpool461612185458−460
17Bristol City461510216277−1555
18Cardiff City46158235068−1853
19Hull City46149234154−1351
Source: EFL Official Website
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Head-to-head results; 5) Wins; 6) Away goals; 7) Penalty points (sec 9.5); 8) 12-point sending off offences[88]
Results summary
OverallHomeAway
PldWDLGFGAGDPtsWDLGFGAGDWDLGFGAGD
461612185458 −46011392926 +35992532 −7

Last updated: 7 May 2022.
Source: [citation needed]

Results by matchday
Matchday12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
Home/awayAHHAAHHAHAHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAAHAHHHAAAHAAHA
ResultDLLDLWLWWDWLWWWLDDDLLLWLLWWDWDLDLWWWDLLDLWDWLL
Position1021212222192220141412151211610101011111517131313121214131414151514141213141616161616151616
Updated to match(es) played on 7 May 2022. Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/championship/table
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
In detail

The Seasiders' fixtures were announced on 24 June 2021.[89]

7 August 2021 1 Bristol City 1–1 Blackpool Ashton Gate
15:00 BSTMartin 44'
Baker  64'
Bell  90+2'
ReportLavery 90+3'Stadium: Ashton Gate Stadium
Attendance: 18,729
Referee: Andy Davies
14 August 2021 2 Blackpool 0–2 Cardiff City Blackpool
15:00 BSTHusband  90+2'ReportBacuna 52'
Moore 86'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,393
Referee: Andy Woolmer
17 August 2021 3 Blackpool 0–1 Coventry City Blackpool
19:45 BSTLavery  6'
Keogh  13'
Connolly  59'
ReportO'Hare  45'
Gyökeres 45+2'
Maatsen  47'
Clarke-Salter  70'
Waghorn  80'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,608
Referee: Keith Stroud
21 August 2021 4 Bournemouth 2–2 Blackpool Bournemouth
15:00 BSTSolanke 6', 19'ReportGarbutt  8'
John-Jules  38'
Connolly  42'
Husband 57'
Yates 60' (pen.)
Ekpiteta  84'
Stadium: Vitality Stadium
Attendance: 9,187
Referee: Steve Martin
28 August 2021 5 Millwall 2–1 Blackpool Bermondsey
15:00 BSTMitchell  50'
Saville  62'
Wallace 63'
Malone  69'
Kieftenbeld  74'
Cooper 90'
ReportConnolly  14'
Dougall  28'
Lavery 56'
Yates  62'
Anderson  74'
Stadium: The Den
Attendance: 11,049
Referee: Gavin Ward
11 September 2021 6 Blackpool 1–0 Fulham Blackpool
15:00 BSTBowler 49'
Stewart  53'
Lawrence-Gabriel  86'
Garbutt  90+2'
ReportQuina  59'
Reed  73'
Odoi  79'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,268
Referee: John Busby
14 September 2021 7 Blackpool 0–3 Huddersfield Town Blackpool
19:45 BSTReportPearson  34', 54'
Koroma 48'
Hogg 62'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,277
Referee: Thomas Bramall
18 September 2021 8 Middlesbrough 1–2 Blackpool Middlesbrough
15:00 BSTTavernier 8'
Fry  12'
Crooks  35'
ReportEkpiteta 62'
Hall 78' (o.g.)
Gabriel  90+4'
Stadium: Riverside Stadium
Attendance: 21,022
Referee: David Webb
25 September 2021 9 Blackpool 1–0 Barnsley Blackpool
15:00 BSTLavery 32'
Wintle  64'
ReportMoon  58'
Benson  70'
Leya Iseka  89'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 12,698
Referee: Steve Martin
28 September 2021 10 Hull City 1–1 Blackpool Kingston upon Hull
19:45 BSTWilks  38'
Coyle  45+2'   80'
Eaves 84'
ReportLavery 42',  82'
Garbutt  68'
Stadium: MKM Stadium
Attendance: 10,189
Referee: Matt Donohue
2 October 2021 11 Blackpool 2–1 Blackburn Rovers Blackpool
15:00 BSTLavery 4'
Yates 24'
Ekpiteta  46'
Wintle  87'
Bowler  90+5'
ReportAyala  25'
Brereton 50'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 13,419
Referee: Josh Smith
16 October 2021 12 Nottingham Forest 2–1 Blackpool West Bridgford
15:00 BSTZinckernagel  20'
Johnson 22'
Grabban 61'
McKenna  82'
ReportYates 53'Stadium: City Ground
Attendance: 27,946
Referee: Kevin Friend
20 October 2021 13 Reading 2–3 Blackpool Reading
20:00 BSTDann 11'
Dele-Bashiru 21'
ReportYates  52', 73', 85' (pen)
Mitchell  57'
Dale 69'
Grimshaw  90+2'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 10,587
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
23 October 2021 14 Blackpool 2–0 Preston North End Blackpool
15:00 BSTAnderson 27',  90+7'
Madine 68'
Grimshaw  88'
Carey  90+4'
Husband  90+8'
ReportSinclair  31'
Bauer  39'
Browne  45+3'   90+7'
Potts  84'
Maguire  90+8'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 13,946
Referee: Tim Robinson
30 October 2021 15 Sheffield United 0–1 Blackpool Sheffield
15:00 BSTDavies  79'
Norwood  89'
ReportBowler  62'
Anderson 76'
Stadium: Bramall Lane
Attendance: 28,304
Referee: Tony Harrington
3 November 2021 16 Blackpool 0–1 Stoke City Blackpool
19:45 GMTReportFletcher 79'Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 12,297
Referee: John Busby
6 November 2021 17 Blackpool 1–1 Queens Park Rangers Blackpool
17:30 GMTMadine  36', 54' (pen.)
Anderson  60'
ReportWillock 26'
Odubajo  33'
Adomah  50'
Dieng  53'
Ball  82'
Dunne  90+5'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,769
Referee: Josh Smith
20 November 2021 18 Swansea City 1–1 Blackpool Swansea
15:00 GMTPiroe 35'
Bidwell  80'
ReportSterling  54'
Anderson 86'
Stadium: Swansea.com Stadium
Attendance: 16,886
Referee: Keith Stroud
23 November 2021 19 Blackpool 0–0 West Bromwich Albion Blackpool
19:45 GMTWintle  51'
Anderson  57'
ReportKipré  45'
Grant  88'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,517
Referee: Jarred Gillett
27 November 2021 20 Birmingham City 1–0 Blackpool Birmingham
15:00 GMTJutkiewicz 81'ReportStadium: St Andrew's
Attendance: 17,686
Referee: Matt Donohue
4 December 2021 21 Blackpool 0–3 Luton Town Blackpool
15:00 GMTReportBradley 42'
Adebayo 54'
Clark 90+1'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,366
Referee: Peter Bankes
11 December 2021 22 Derby County 1–0 Blackpool Derby
15:00 GMTPlange 51'
Jóźwiak  54'
Lawrence  76'
ReportCarey  42'
Anderson  54'
Stadium: Pride Park
Attendance: 21,663
Referee: Andy Woolmer
18 December 2021 23 Blackpool 3–1 Peterborough United Blackpool
15:00 GMTAnderson 27'
Carey 86'
Yates 90'
ReportDembele 11'Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 9,745
Referee: David Webb
27 December 2021 24 Huddersfield Town 3–2 Blackpool Huddersfield
15:00 GMTWard 3'
Toffolo  33'
Holmes  79'
Thomas 80', 84'
ReportYates 1'
Madine 18'
Lawrence-Gabriel  45+9'   61'
Stadium: John Smith's Stadium
Attendance: 18,968
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
29 December 2021 25 Blackpool 1–2 Middlesbrough Blackpool
19:45 GMTConnolly  31'
Husband  44'
Lavery 90+1'
ReportFry  40'
Šporar 60',  61'
Crooks  71'
Peltier  89'
Watmore 90+3'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 13,428
Referee: Steve Martin
1 January 2022 26 Blackpool 1–0 Hull City Blackpool
15:00 GMTMadine 31' (pen.)ReportBernard  67'
Honeyman  76'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,300
Referee: Dean Whitestone
22 January 2022 27 Blackpool 1–0 Millwall Blackpool
15:00 GMTGarbutt
Lavery 55'
ReportStadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 10,696
Referee: David Webb
29 January 2022 28 Fulham 1–1 Blackpool Fulham
15:00 GMTMitrović 6',  45+1'
Odoi  26'
Carvalho  68'
Wilson  75'
ReportDougall  39'
Bowler 57'
Gabriel  90+1'
Stadium: Craven Cottage
Attendance: 19,092
Referee: Peter Bankes
5 February 2022 29 Blackpool 3–1 Bristol City Blackpool
15:00 GMTHamilton 36'
Madine 39',  80'
Bowler  44', 48'
Yates  81'
Connolly  84'
ReportWilliams  80'
Semenyo  81'
Scott  84'
Wells 86',  89'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,026
Referee: James Linington
8 February 2022 30 Coventry City 1–1 Blackpool Coventry
19:45 GMTSheaf  14'
Hyam  36'
Gyökeres 42'
Clarke-Salter  71'
Hamer  79'
ReportMadine 24'
James  46'
Stadium: Coventry Building Society Arena
Attendance: 15,752
Referee: Andre Marriner
12 February 2022 31 Blackpool 1–2 Bournemouth Blackpool
15:00 GMTBowler 37'
Sterling  89'
Connolly  90+5'
ReportSolanke 27'
Marcondes  85'
Lowe 86'
Dembélé 90+5'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,141
Referee: Dean Whitestone
19 February 2022 32 Cardiff City 1–1 Blackpool Cardiff
15:00 GMTBagan 49'
Flint  61'
Vaulks  82'
Ng  85'
BBC Report
Sky report
Ekpiteta 11'
Bowler  66'
Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium
Attendance: 19,025
Referee: Darren Bond (Lancashire)
23 February 2022 33 Queens Park Rangers 2–1 Blackpool Shepherd's Bush
19:45 GMTDunne 31'
Sanderson  40'
Dieng  58'
Ball  70'
Amos 89' (o.g.)
Field  90+3'
ReportJames  40'
Bowler 82',  90+2'
Stadium: Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium
Attendance: 17,387
Referee: Gavin Ward
26 February 2022 34 Blackpool 4–1 Reading Blackpool
15:00 GMT (UTC)Ekpiteta 27'
Madine 61'
Yates  77'
Lavery 86'
Bowler 90'
ReportJoão 17'Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 10,954
Referee: Peter Bankes
5 March 2022 35 Stoke City 0–1 Blackpool Stoke-on-Trent
15:00 GMT (UTC)Baker  52'
Vrancic  59'
Harwood-Bellis  70'
ReportJames  33'
Bowler 86'
Madine  90+6'
Connolly  90+8'
Stadium: Bet365 Stadium
Attendance: 26,384
Referee: Tony Harrington
12 March 2022 36 Blackpool 1–0 Swansea City Blackpool
15:00 GMT (UTC)Madine 4'ReportDownes  37'
Naughton  90+3'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 12,344
Referee: Steve Martin
16 March 2022 37 Blackpool 0–0 Sheffield United Blackpool
19:45 GMT (UTC)Connolly  41'ReportRobinson  31'
Sharp  90'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 11,915
Referee: Geoff Eltringham
2 April 2022 38 Blackpool 1–4 Nottingham Forest Blackpool
12:30 GMT (UTC)Stewart  55'
Connolly 89'
ReportZinckernagel 11'
Johnson 30', 36'
Surridge 82'
Lolley  88'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 13,986
Referee: Jarred Gillett
5 April 2022 39 Preston North End 1–0 Blackpool Preston
19:45 BSTArcher 45+3'
Whiteman  45+11'
Johnson  62'
Hughes  64'
McCann  90+2'
ReportStadium: Deepdale
Referee: David Webb
9 April 2022 40 Blackburn Rovers 1–1 Blackpool Blackburn
15:00 BSTReportStadium: Ewood Park
Attendance: 17,806
Referee: Matt Donohue
15 April 2022 41 West Bromwich Albion 2–1 Blackpool West Bromwich
15:00 BSTCarroll 42'
Grant 90+3'
ReportEkpiteta 53'
Husband  71'
Stadium: The Hawthorns
Attendance: 21,717
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
18 April 2022 42 Blackpool 6–1 Birmingham City Blackpool
15:00 BSTBeesley 3', 56'
Hamilton 14'
Dougall 40'
Yates 85' (pen.)
Connolly 90+4'
ReportŠunjić 63'
Pedersen  75'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 13,993
Referee: Tim Robinson
23 April 2022 43 Luton Town 1–1 Blackpool Luton
12:30 BSTAdebayo 2'ReportDougall  19'
Madine 55' (pen.),  90+1'
Hamilton  68'
Lavery  90+6'
Stadium: Kenilworth Road
Referee: John Brooks
26 April 2022 44 Barnsley 0–2 Blackpool Barnsley
19:45 BSTAndersen  9'ReportDale 39'
Virtue  62'
Casey 66'
Stadium: Oakwell Stadium
Attendance: 12,256
Referee: John Busby
30 April 2022 45 Blackpool 0–2 Derby County Blackpool
15:00 BSTConnolly  81'ReportEbiowei 73'
Cashin 82'
Davies  84'
Ebosele  88'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 15,298
Referee: Andy Davies
7 May 2022 46 Peterborough United 5–0 Blackpool Peterborough
12:30 BSTReportStadium: London Road Stadium
Attendance: 9,118
Referee: Andy Woolmer

FA Cup

Blackpool were drawn away to Hartlepool United in the third round.[90]

8 January 2022 Third round Hartlepool United 2–1 Blackpool Hartlepool
15:00 GMTFerguson 48'
Grey 61'
ReportAnderson 8'Stadium: Victoria Park
Attendance: 4,932
Referee: Matt Donohue

EFL Cup

Blackpool were drawn at home against Middlesbrough in the first round[91] and Sunderland in the second round.[92][93]

11 August 2021 First round Blackpool 3–0 Middlesbrough Blackpool
19:45 BSTEkpiteta  19'
Connolly 31'
Casey  33'
Lavery 77'
Anderson 78'
ReportMorsy  31'
Payero  36'
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 5,836
Referee: Bobby Madley
24 August 2021 Second round Blackpool 2–3 Sunderland Blackpool
19:45 BSTLavery 9'
Bowler 87'
ReportO'Brien 12', 57', 91'Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 5,756
Referee: Peter Wright

Lancashire Senior Cup

Blackpool were drawn against Fleetwood Town in the first round.[94]

21 September 2021 First round Blackpool 3–0 Fleetwood Town Blackpool
14:00 BSTSarkic 3'
Carey 45', 60'
ReportStadium: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 0 (Behind-closed-doors)
Referee: Richard Aspinall

Squad statistics

No.Pos.NameLeagueFA CupLeague CupTotalDiscipline
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
10FW Keshi Anderson224002124560
25MF Cameron Antwi0000101000
36MF Robert Apter0000000000
FW Ewan Bange0000000000
11MF Josh Bowler231002125220
16MF Sonny Carey91002011120
20DF Oliver Casey0000202010
2DF Callum Connolly100001111121
7MF Owen Dale
(on loan from Crewe Alexandra;
made permanent in January)
7100007100
12MF Kenny Dougall200001021010
21DF Marvin Ekpiteta201001021130
29DF Luke Garbutt140001015030
23DF Daníel Leó Grétarsson0000101000
32GK Daniel Grimshaw100002012020
22MF CJ Hamilton5000207000
DF Cameron Hill0000000000
38FW Brad Holmes0000000000
DF Teddy Howe0000000000
3DF James Husband181001019130
5DF Reece James110002013000
28FW Tyreece John-Jules
(on loan from Arsenal)
110001012010
26DF Richard Keogh150001016000
4DF Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel120000012020
19FW Shayne Lavery175002219710
30FW Bez Lubala0000000000
14FW Gary Madine142000014210
37MF Luke Mariette0000000000
1GK Chris Maxwell130000013000
15DF Demetri Mitchell
(joined Hibernian on 24 January)
110000011010
39GK Charlie Monks0000000000
13GK Stuart Moore1000001000
24FW Joe Nuttall0000000000
15MF Ethan Robson0000000000
27MF Oliver Sarkic0000000000
DF Sky Sinclair0000000000
35DF Dujon Sterling
(on loan from Chelsea)
9000009010
6MF Kevin Stewart3000003010
34DF Jordan Thorniley0000000000
17MF Matty Virtue0000000000
18MF Grant Ward4000105000
8MF Ryan Wintle
(on loan from Cardiff City)
180000018030
9FW Jerry Yates206003020620
Discipline totals 38 1
  • Players used: 28
  • Goals scored: 28 (including 1 own-goal)

Statistics accurate as of 18 December 2021

Transfers

Transfers in

DatePos.Nat.NameFromFeeRef.
1 July 2021RW Josh BowlerFree agency[95]
1 July 2021CM Sonny CareyKing's Lynn TownUndisclosed[96]
1 July 2021CB Oliver CaseyLeeds UnitedUndisclosed[97]
1 July 2021CB Callum ConnollyFree agency[98]
1 July 2021GK Daniel GrimshawFree agency[99]
1 July 2021LB Reece JamesFree agency[100]
1 July 2021CF Shayne LaveryFree agency[101]
17 July 2021CB Richard KeoghFree agency[7]
31 August 2021RB Jordan GabrielNottingham ForestUndisclosed[102]
10 January 2022CF Jake BeesleyRochdaleUndisclosed[103]
13 January 2022RW Owen DaleCrewe AlexandraUndisclosed[104]
31 January 2022CB Douglas TharmeSouthportUndisclosed[68]

Transfers out

DatePos.Nat.NameToFeeRef.
4 June 2021CM Ben GarrityPort ValeUndisclosed[105]
30 June 2021RW Liam FeeneyFree agency[106][107]
30 June 2021GK Alex FojticekFree agency[106]
30 June 2021LW Sullay KaikaiFree agency[106][108]
30 June 2021GK Jack SimsFree agency[106]
30 June 2021RB Ollie TurtonFree agency[106][109]
30 June 2021CF Adi YussufFree agency[106][110]
30 June 2021DF Nathan ShawFree agency[111]
4 August 2021CB Aaron TurnerColne[112]
9 September 2021CB Charlie PenmanBrighton & Hove AlbionUndisclosed[30]
18 January 2022RB Teddy HoweFree agency[59]
24 January 2022LW Demetri MitchellHibernianUndisclosed[61]
26 January 2022CF Oliver SarkicFree agency[62][113]
27 January 2022CB Daníel GrétarssonŚląsk WrocławUndisclosed[114]
31 January 2022CF Joe NuttallScunthorpe UnitedUndisclosed[65]

Loans in

DatePos.Nat.NameFromUntilRef.
29 July 2021CF Tyreece John-JulesArsenalEnd of season[10]
28 August 2021CM Ryan WintleCardiff CityEnd of season (recalled on 3 January 2022)[115][116]
31 August 2021RB Dujon SterlingChelseaEnd of season[117]
1 September 2021RW Owen DaleCrewe Alexandra11 January 2022[118][119]
27 January 2022LW Charlie KirkCharlton AthleticEnd of season[63]

Loans out

DatePos.Nat.NameToUntilRef.
1 July 2021CM Ethan RobsonMilton Keynes DonsEnd of season; recalled on 17 January 2022[120]
1 August 2021CB Jordan ThornileyOxford United24 January 2022[a][122]
13 August 2021CF Ewan BangeBamber BridgeOctober 2021[22]
13 August 2021CM Rob ApterBamber Bridge15 December 2021[22]
26 August 2021DF Cameron HillSheffield[123]
14 September 2021AM Brad HolmesFC United of Manchester22 December 2021[124]
8 October 2021MF Cameron AntwiAFC Telford United29 December 2021[125][b][c]
9 November 2021CF Ewan BangeAFC Telford United13 January 2022[44]
22 December 2021AM Brad HolmesChorley[127]
23 December 2021MF Sky SinclairLancaster City20 January 2022[128]
3 January 2022CM Rob ApterChester31 January 2022 initially; extended to the end of the season[129][55]
7 January 2022MF Matthew LiptrottStalybridge Celtic[130]
7 January 2022DF Jack MooreRadcliffe[130]
11 January 2022MF Tayt TrustyRadcliffe8 February 2022[131]
21 January 2022CF Ewan BangeFC United of ManchesterEnd of season[132]
31 January 2022CF Bez LubalaNorthampton TownEnd of season[133]
31 January 2022MF Sky SinclairNantwich TownMarch 2022[66]
31 January 2022CB Douglas TharmeSouthportEnd of season[68]
11 March 2022CM Luke MarietteCurzon Ashton[134]
11 March 2022MF Tayt TrustyHyde United[134]
24 March 2022MF Jake DanielsBamber BridgeEnd of season[135]
24 March 2022MF Matthew LiptrottRadcliffeEnd of season[135]
24 March 2022MF Joe StrawnBamber BridgeEnd of season[135]

References