By kickspoll Elliot Embleton made his first league start of the season in Blackpool’s 2-1 defeat to Barnsley over the weekend. The midfielder joined the Seasiders on a permanent deal from Sunderland during the summer, after previously being part of Blackpool’s last promotion to the Championship during a loan spell in 2021.
Embleton has struggled with injuries in recent years and has appeared short of match fitness at times in the early stages of this campaign.
“I’ve been based in the North East for quite a while, and I remember watching him in the Championship,” said Blackpool assistant coach Steve Agnew. “At that time, he was a real threat when playing regularly and injury-free. He’s a good technical player and can find space between the lines.
“He probably hasn’t played as much as he would’ve liked and is down on minutes. He wants to play consistently and become the player he showed at Sunderland. From what the lads have told me, he had a good spell during the promotion season. He’s a good footballer, and we just need to keep working with him.”
Jordan Rhodes, another Blackpool player, has also struggled to replicate his past performances. The striker scored 15 goals in the first half of last season before injuries disrupted his loan spell from Huddersfield Town. Since joining Blackpool permanently this summer, the 34-year-old has yet to score in the league.
“Jordan is a goalscorer, and that’s his strength,” Agnew added. “He’s a fantastic professional and has scored goals at every level throughout his career. His game time has been limited this season, but he’s eager to play and start. He came on against Barnsley, had a header and a shot saved by the keeper — that’s what he brings. We’re keen to work with him, and if he gets in the team, I’m sure the goals will come.”