Blackpool sign former Reading FC loanee after injury

Blackpool have confirmed the loan signing of former Reading forward Dom Ballard from Southampton.

The England Under-19 forward was due to spend last year as a Royal but suffered a serious patella injury and returned to the South Coast in November after scoring five goals in 12 appearances.

Returning to full training with Premier League Saints over the summer, the striker has now made the move to Bloomfield Road for the 2024/25 campaign.

There had been rumours linking the teenager with a return to Berkshire, but transfers are still prohibited by the EFL until the protracted takeover is completed.

It’s a real honour to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” he told Blackpoolfc.co.uk.

“I played at Bloomfield Road with Reading last season, and honestly the fans here made some of the best noise I’ve heard – the atmosphere was amazing. Those things make a big difference, and once I knew a Club the size of Blackpool were interested, I was really keen to make the move.

“It was gutting how my time at Reading last season ended earlier than expected, as I felt I was really pushing on. I’m now ready for the new season and want to make the same impression here at Blackpool.”