Ex-Blackburn Rovers star completes nearby transfer
Former Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes has completed a permanent move to North West neighbours Blackpool.
The 34-year-old spent last season on loan at Bloomfield Road, scoring 15 goals as Neil Critchley’s men narrowly missed out on a play-off spot.
Rhodes was recently released by Huddersfield and has now put pen to paper over a 12-month deal with the Seasiders.
“I’m very thankful to the head coach, the owner and sporting director for giving me the opportunity to get to this point,” he told the club website.
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“I feel very lucky to hopefully get another chance to have another shot here at Blackpool. I loved being here each and every day last season and I feel lucky that I potentially get to do that again.
“It’s a place I feel really accustomed to, it brings the best out of me and hopefully together we can kick on again this coming season.”
The experienced forward was an important figure for Blackpool last term before picking up a knee injury that saw him miss the run-in, including a 3-2 defeat against Reading on the final day which ultimately cost the Seasiders a top six finish.
It has now been 12 years since his arrival at Ewood Park for a club record fee, having caught the eye during his first spell at Huddersfield.
Rhodes quickly became a fan favourite among the Rovers faithful, finding the net 28 times during his first campaign with the club.
He enjoyed another prolific season in 2013/14, hitting 25 goals as the side narrowly missed out on the play-offs under Gary Bowyer.
The forward continued to be lethal in the final third, forging a memorable partnership with Rudy Gestede.
Rhodes was snapped up Middlesbrough in 2016 but failed to make his mark at the Riverside Stadium following promotion to the Premier League.
He went on to have spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich before returning to the John Smith’s Stadium in the summer of 2021.
