Joe Randall has left Bolton Wanderers for fellow League One outfit Blackpool on loan for the remainder of the season.
The former Peterborough United man links up with old boss Ian Evatt, after the current Tangerines manager brought him to Lancashire 12 months ago.
But, after just nine league starts this term, Randall has moved to the Seasiders, as they look for a turnaround in form.
Disappointing Spell At Bolton
Randall was signed by Evatt in the last January transfer window, but a lot has changed since then. Wanderers’ manager left the club by ‘mutual consent’ later on that month, with his winter signing scoring in his final match in charge.
The 26-year-old fell out of favour towards the end of the campaign, starting just seven more league games after the 44-year-old departed. His new club slumped to an eighth-place finish in the third tier.
In the first full campaign, Randall has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. And with just 775 minutes of League One football this term, he has failed to have the desired effect thus far. Having only contributed one goal in 20 appearances across all competitions, Wanderers will hope this loan can kick-start his career.
Can He Rediscover His Previous Form?
While the last 12 months have been bitterly disappointing, there is no doubting Randall can perform at this level. After starring in League Two with Exeter City, scoring eight times in his final campaign, Peterborough acquired his services in August 2021.
After an injury-hit couple of seasons following his move to the Weston Homes Stadium, when Posh dropped out of the Championship, he was a revelation in the 23/24 campaign. Randall played 56 times, hitting double figures for goals and assists as they won the EFL Trophy and made the League One Play-Offs.
He continued that rich vein of form in the first half of the following season, notching seven goals and four assists across all competitions.
Can Randall Inspire Blackpool Turnaround?
Blackpool may have harboured ambitions of a strong second half of the season heading into 2026. The Tangerines were up to 13th in the table after three straight victories, but suffered a horror result at Port Vale on New Year’s Day. Three successive defeats have since followed, leaving them above the relegation places only on goals scored.
It will be that figure which Randall will be hoping to improve in the next few months. Blackpool’s defensive frailties were key for all to see against Barnsley last Saturday, after Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s nightmare moment.
But the Seasiders are creating chances, and perhaps just need that extra quality in the final third. With 11-goal Ashley Fletcher in their ranks, his link-up with Randall could be pivotal in determining where Blackpool finish this season.