Blackpool boost defensive options with double swoop

Fraser Horsfall helped Stockport County to a third-placed finish in League One before losing to Leyton Orient in the play-offs

Blackpool have boosted their defensive options for next season with a double swoop for out of contract Fraser Horsfall and Michael Ihiekwe.

Steve Bruce's League One outfit have snapped up 28-year-old Horsfall on a four-year deal following the end of a spell at third tier rivals Stockport County.

And they have also added 32-year-old Ihiekwe following his release by Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

"We're delighted to get someone of Fraser's calibre signed early as he demonstrates the leadership qualities we're looking for to compete at the top end of this division," Bruce told the club website.

"And [with Michael] his CV speaks for itself with four promotions from this division already. We are hopeful his experience will help us reach our goals this season."

Horsfall narrowly missed out on promotion with Stockport, who lost on penalties in the play-off semi-finals to Leyton Orient.

But the former County captain has reset his sights on promotion with Blackpool next season as he prepares to join Steve Bruce's squad.

"With the size of this club they shouldn't be in this league, so the main goal is promotion," said Horsfall.

Ihiekwe joins the Seasiders on a three-year deal from 1 July with four promotions from League One under his belt, three with Rotherham and most recently with the Owls back in 2023.