‘He’s in top form’: Club legend not surprised to see Rangers target £5m ace

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Blackpool legend Brett Ormerod is not surprised to see Tangerines hitman Jerry Yates linked with a move to Rangers or Championship rivals West Brom following his superb start to the season, speaking to the Blackpool Gazette. 

As things stand, no one has scored more times in the second tier in 2022/23 than a late-blooming forward who was plying his trade in the fourth tier with Swindon Town just two years ago. 

With nine goals in 18 games, Yates has already exceeded last season’s tally of eight. And, according to The Sun, his new-found purple patch has not gone unnoticed; Rangers, West Brom, Brentford and Bournemouth reportedly watching the 25-year-old during Blackpool’s recent 4-2 Lancashire derby victory over Preston North End.

A game in which Yates scored twice and set up another. 

Jerry Yates ‘in hot form’ amid Rangers and West Brom interest

“He’s a confidence player, Jerry. Just look at the two goals he scored against Sheffield United (in October); the header and the volley. He made them look very easy,” says Ormerod, who was part of Ian Holloway’s iconic Wembley winners in 2010. 

“To get his goals against Preston and Coventry as well. He’s in hot form at the minute and up there with the leading goalscorers.

“There’s been speculation linking him with a number of clubs. But that’s to be expected when you’re playing as well as he is. It’s a compliment to him about how well he’s been playing.

“It’s very hard to be consistent in the Championship. But he’s managed to do that so far this season. He’s had a really good spell and long may that continue.” 

According to The Sun, Yates could cost at around £5 million these days. If Blackpool were to lose him in January, they could at least console themselves with a colossal profit made on a striker who set them back just £200,000 in the summer of 2020. 

“I love Jerry to bits. He’s good at everything,” Yates’ former Swindon boss Richie Wellens told Quest’s EFL Highlights Show. “He’s got decent pace. He can hold the ball up. He’s a fantastic professional that wants to get everything out of his career.”