Baptiste heads to Seasiders

Defender agrees switch, while Martin could join him

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 1st July 2008

Baptiste heads to Seasiders

Baptiste: Making step up

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Blackpool have completed the signing of Alex Baptiste from Mansfield for an undisclosed fee.

The highly-rated defender has agreed a two-year deal with the Seasiders with the option of a further 12 months should he meet certain requirements.

The 22-year-old will join up with his new team-mates for the resumption of pre-season training on Thursday and admits that he cannot wait to get started.

"I'm really delighted," he told Blackpool's official website.

"I just can't wait to start training and get underway. I'm really looking forward to great things."

Equally pleased with the signing was manager Simon Grayson, who added: "He's going to be a good addition to our squad with his versatility and defensive qualities.

"He's a lad who was hungry to come, wants to prove he can make the step up to the Championship, and he's the right age."

Great attitude

Meanwhile, Grayson also confirmed that Blackpool have agreed a fee with Tottenham for former loanee and England youth international Joe Martin.

The teenage midfielder spent a period with the Seasiders towards the end of last season, making just one appearance, but impressed enough during his short stay with the club to persuade Grayson to make a summer approach for his services.

"We had an offer accepted by Tottenham and Joe is coming up later today (Tuesday) to discuss personal terms and hopefully he will sign for us," said the Blackpool boss.

"The lad did ever so well for us last year, even in the one game he played, and we saw a lot in training sessions to realise that he would be an excellent addition to the squad.

"We want a hungry young player who wants to make a name for himself in the game, we want to work with him and make him better.

"He has a great attitude and wants to play and learn and hopefully it will all be concluded and he will become a Blackpool player."