'Easy to fall' - The Swindon Town perspective on Blackpool's newest defensive recruit
· Amos Wynn · 2026-08-13T09:07:42+00:00 · nguồn gốc
The Swindon Town perspective on Blackpool's newest defensive recruit following Middlesbrough agreement
Finley Munroe became Blackpool’s fifth signing of the summer earlier this week.
Finley Munroe has been tipped to be a success at Blackpool - but the Bloomfield Road faithful have been warned to enjoy him while they can.
The left wing-back made the move to the Fylde Coast on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough earlier this week, and is set to make his debut in Tangerine against Wycombe Wanderers this weekend.
A year ago, the 21-year-old got his first taste of life in the EFL - joining Swindon Town on a temporary deal from his then-club Aston Villa.
During the first half of last season, Munroe became a key figure under ex-Seasiders boss Ian Holloway, scoring two goals and providing nine assists in 27 appearances, before being recalled by the Lions to facilitate his permanent switch to the Riverside Stadium.
The Moonraker’s Sam Morshead believes the defender was always destined to play at a higher level, and is confident he will benefit from a stint in League One after featuring just three times for Middlesbrough last term.
“He was a fabulous player at League Two level - he was too good fundamentally,” he said.
“It made sense for him to be able to move on. The frustration (Ian) Holloway showed was because he was so integral to the left-hand side of the team. He found it very difficult to replace him.
“He deserves a chance to play higher. I think there'll be some frustration that he didn’t get more of a go at Middlesbrough towards the end of last season, but it makes sense for him to pop up a division. I expect him to be just as influential at this level, as he was last year.
“He’s got a fabulous left foot. He’s an aggressive runner. He’s good at recovery. He’s really good in the air. He’s got good possessional sense. He’s on course to have a very good career in the top two tiers of the English game over time.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what he does up at Blackpool - I think he’s got a lot to bring them.
“Realistically you could use him as a standard left back or a left wing-back. He’d probably do a job as a left winger as well, or play in the left side of a central three.
“He’s got tremendous versatility and a lot of different attributes, both in the air and on the ground. He’s got a wicket left foot from a set piece, whether that’s a deep free kick or getting to the byline and getting the bale across.
“He also hit a stunning winner against Tranmere with his right foot last year - he pinged it straight into the top corner.
“You’ve got a flexible, humble, hardworking and very talented footballer on your hands, but make the most of it because there’s every chance he’ll have to go back to Middlesbrough in January. The old rule is: ‘Don’t fall in love with a loan player,’ but it’s easy to fall in love with Finley Munroe.”
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Morshead states Blackpool’s newest addition will come with a strong reference from Holloway - who was in charge at Bloomfield Road when current head coach Ian Evatt was part of the Championship promotion-winning squad as a player.
“I’m pretty certain that Swindon had a little quiet word earlier this summer to see if he could come back - but that was never going to be possible,” he added.
“I’m sure given their previous relationship, I’m sure there would’ve been a bit of a chat and Evatt would’ve only got high praise about him from Holloway.
“Holloway did become borderline infatuated with the guy, and for good reason. He produced pretty much every week, and was a 7/10 or higher every week. When you’ve got that consistency and quality, there’s good reason to fall in love with a player.
“He would’ve had glowing references, and I hope for Blackpool’s sake, he gets to play for the full season because you’re in for a real treat.”