JUST IN: ''My mind is made up, i'm not interested in training with the team''why €96m Blackpool key player has been absent from club's training videos so far this summer amid rival interest

Non-league boss makes prediction in message to Blackpool following deal for Steven Gerrard Academy graduate

Warrington Town boss Mark Beesley has shared his excitement after adding Blackpool winger Josh Miles to the Yellows’ ranks – as he predicts a bright future for the youngster.The 17-year-old will spend the next three months in National League North on a short-term loan deal at Cantilever Park.

Miles made the move to Bloomfield Road last summer, and was handed his senior debut for the Seasiders against Morecambe in the EFL Trophy back in November.

West Bromwich Albion v Blackpool: Pre-Season Friendly

The youngster, who is a graduate of the Steven Gerrard Academy, is no stranger to the sixth tier of English football, having featured 15 times for Southport during the 2022/23 campaign – prior to his time with the Seasiders.

“He gives us options out wide and can play in a few positions. He provides the pace and directness which we’re aiming for, and hopefully he can improve his game, as well as our squad.

“I’d like to thank Blackpool for trusting us with his development, because I’m sure he’s on a pathway to playing in their first team.”

Benidorm and then Blackpool – it really does feel like this pre-season was booked with the fans in mind. We all know the Sunderland fans like a good time and a good drink, and a dirty weekend stop over on the Fylde coast is just what the doctor ordered for the Lads fans in attendance.

Régis Le Bris’ focus won’t be on anything other than the game though, and his players are slowly starting to show signs that they’re buying into his methods, with signs of his blueprint evident in all of the performances so far in pre-season.

Today he’s presented with a totally different task than what he’s had to handle thus far, and Blackpool are a seasoned, decent League One outfit who will test Sunderland physically and give us a good idea of where we’re at fitness-wise as the start of the Championship campaign approaches.