Blackpool have stripped James Husband of the club captaincy following his sending off in Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle.
The 32-year-old defender was dismissed in the closing stages at Home Park after appearing to kick out following a late challenge, compounding what had already been a difficult afternoon for the Seasiders. The red card has resulted in a four-match suspension, his second significant ban of 2026, and prompted firm action from within the club.
As well as serving his suspension, Husband has received the maximum financial sanction permitted under club regulations and will no longer wear the armband. George Honeyman has been confirmed as Blackpool’s new full-time captain.
Head coach Ian Evatt outlined the reasoning behind the decision, stressing standards and accountability.
“All I can say is, as a club we’ve given him the maximum financial sanction we’re allowed to do, and we’ve removed the captaincy from him. There’s a responsibility to be captain of this football club, and I think on Saturday James will be the first to admit he let everyone down. ”
“He’s been a fantastic servant to this football club – we can’t forget that. He’s been a big part of the things I’ve done since I’ve been here. He’s a good guy and a good person, and a very good player. Not having him available is going to hurt us. “
Husband initially joined Blackpool on loan in 2019 before making the move permanent in January 2020, and he brought up his 200th appearance for the club in January 2025. Appointed captain ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, he had been viewed as a key figure in the dressing room.
Evatt made clear that while the punishment is significant, the club’s relationship with the player remains intact.
“He’s an experienced player and he understands. We have a really good relationship; an honest and transparent relationship. He was the first to apologise on Saturday that emotions got the better of him, that can happen in football, we just need to make sure we learn and grow from it.
“We just need to make sure we uphold the right standards, and we’ve done that. It’s happened and finished now, and we must all now move on.”
Husband’s future
The decision signals a clear message from Blackpool’s hierarchy at a time when consistency and discipline are critical. With Husband sidelined for the next four fixtures, attention will now turn to how the Seasiders respond on the pitch under their new captain, and whether the episode serves as a turning point in what has been a turbulent stretch.
It is going to be difficult for James Husband to come back from this. His second red this season is damaging to his teammates, who need experience like his at such a trying time. How he comes back will be a mark of his character, and character is something the struggling Tangerines need.
