Blackpool have signed themselves a League One promotion cheat code, he’s been there and done it

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Blackpool will be looking to propel themselves into the League One play-off picture in 2025/26, and Steve Bruce is going the right way about it.

After finishing in ninth position in 2024/25, Blackpool will be looking to finish in the League One play-offs next season under the guidance of Steve Bruce.

The veteran boss has achieved the joint-most promotions to the Premier League (four) during his long managerial career, and now he’s looking to take the Seasiders back into the Championship.

So far this summer, Blackpool have shown the ambition of a side capable of reaching the top six with the signings of defensive powerhouse Fraser Horsfall, experienced centre-back Michael Ihiekwe, midfield metronome George Honeyman, and striker Niall Ennis.

The most impressive of the four additions is arguably the free transfer for Honeyman, who experienced promotion from the division previously.

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George Honeyman’s incredible 2020/21 campaign with Hull City

Honeyman has represented Sunderland, Hull City and most recently Millwall across his 305 appearances in the Championship and League One.

The ferocious midfield talent, known for his aggression and lung-bursting runs off the ball, has experienced one promotion during his career, and that was with the Tigers in 2020/21.

After suffering relegation from the second tier in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, Hull instantly bounced back by winning the League One title – their first piece of silverware since 1966.

And it was Honeyman who was at the centre of their success, featuring in the division’s Team of the Season after amassing four goals and 14 assists in 42 league appearances.

The 30-year-old was also crowned Hull City’s Player of the Year, in what was arguably the best campaign of his professional career, certainly in terms of numbers.

So, with the Englishman choosing to drop back down to League One, Bruce and the Blackpool fans will be hoping Honeyman can recapture such form that dragged City towards their League One triumph.

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What Steve Bruce said after Blackpool signed Honeyman

Honeyman is the perfect Bruce player as he runs himself into the ground, sets the tone with his ferocious pressing and can provide ammunition from midfield.

Speaking after completing the signing, the Blackpool boss explained how the former Sunderland midfielder can become a ‘real asset’ for the Seasiders.

“We are delighted to welcome George to Blackpool,” he told the club’s in-house media. “He brings a tremendous amount of experience to the squad, both in League One and the Championship, and we feel he can play a vital role for us.

“His quality and care on the ball will be a real asset, and we look forward to working with him and seeing him feature in tangerine in the coming weeks and months.”