Zac Ashworth is excited to play at Bloomfield Road next season despite a couple of painful trips with Wanderers last term.

The 21-year-old, who penned a three-year deal at Blackpool earlier this summer, missed from the penalty spot as the Whites came up short in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy quarter-final.

Ashworth also started the 4-1 defeat in the league several weeks later before falling out of favour for the final months of the campaign.

“I had two experiences of Bloomfield Road last season and neither one of them were particularly good,” he told Blackpool Gazette. 

“I just remember the atmosphere being fantastic. I’m looking forward to going out there in a Blackpool shirt and thriving off it this time. 

“The first game I played there was in the EFL Trophy. At those games the crowd is always a little fewer in number, but it felt like a league game. Even though the stadium wasn’t full, you were aware of the Blackpool fans. 

“For the league game, it was the same and better. Bolton went 1-0 up but it didn’t go quiet.

“I won’t shy away from taking any penalties in the future, it’s not something that phases me, it’s just another thing to learn from.”

Ashworth made 23 appearances at the Toughsheet Community Stadium last season while on loan from West Brom, scoring three times.

The left-back is now looking forward to working under Neil Critchley as the Seasiders aim to build on their eighth-place finish.

“I spoke to him a few times over the summer, and he was one of the biggest factors behind me coming to the club,” he added. 

“There wasn’t one line, in particular, it was more about him as a person. He was honest and suggested ways he could help me. 

“Ultimately, it’s about me getting better and better. I’m 21 so I’m by no means the finished article, there are plenty of areas for me to work on. 

“I like to think I’m going to improve, so it’s about him helping me to become as good a player as possible.

“I try not to write down and speak about individual targets, but this time next year I want to say I did well and that I’m a better player.”