Blackpool finalise transfer agreement

Blackpool have confirmed the signing of Southport defender Douglas Tharme, via the club website. 

The central defender, who can also operate as a right-back, has featured 19 times in the league thus far for the National League North outfit.

The Seasiders have opted to allow Tharme to return to the Sandgrounders on loan for what remains of the season, before linking up with the Championship club in the summer.

Tharme has been integral to the success that Southport are seeing this season, with the Merseyside club sitting within the play-off places in sixth place.

Recent form suggests that they will be viewing the sixth-tier summit as an achievable target as the season progresses, with Southport unbeaten since early October, stretching this run to 14 games in the process. 

Tharme has been part of an excellent defensive line this season and Southport have recorded seven clean sheets in their last nine games, conceding just twice in that time. 

The verdict 

The young defender is showing tremendous ability in the sixth tier, contributing massively to what is shaping up to be an excellent season. 

Blackpool will be hoping to see his progress continue whilst on loan with the Sandgrounders, before assessing their options next season. 

Jumping from the sixth-tier to Championship football would be a big ask of the young defender, meaning it is more than likely that a move in-between the divisions could be sanctioned. 

The Seasiders place a lot of trust in England’s footballing pyramid, with this signing having the potential to work out for the Championship outfit, whilst it is fairly low-risk. 

Source