Blackpool head coach Steve Bruce has praised “smashing lad and smashing pro” Elkan Baggott following the end of the central defender’s loan spell with the Seasiders, who named him their Community Champion.

Indonesia international Baggott joined the League One side at the start of August and went on to make 17 starts and three sub appearances without scoring, having spent lengthy spells out injured between the end of his first month at the club and the start of November and then, after playing only one game following his return, until mid-January.

Bruce says he’s been impressed by the 22-year-old’s contributions on the pitch and in the community.

“It doesn’t surprise me that he goes to the food bank every week to help serve the people,” Bruce told the Blackpool Gazette.

“He’s a smashing lad and a smashing pro. Unfortunately, with the injuries he’s had, it’s not gone as well as everyone would’ve hoped.

“There’s no doubt at all in my mind, he’s going to go on to be a very decent defender.

“As a professional, if I show you the charts in the gym - he wins everything. Underneath all that, he’s got a fantastic human side to him.”

Baggott, who is contracted to the Blues until this summer but with the club having an option for a further season, says he enjoyed his time with the Tangerines.

“I've loved every minute of my time here at Blackpool,” he wrote on Instagram. “I wish the club all the best for the future.”

Photo: Matchday Images

RobITFC added 11:54 - May 6 Is he ready to replace Cameron Burgess if he leaves? Otherwise time to find a new club?
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muhrensleftfoot added 12:41 - May 6 Always looked decent on his few rare appearances for us. If he can stay fit, he's probably worth keeping on, especially if Burgess leaves as has been hinted.
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carlisleaway added 12:45 - May 6 His massive following in Indonesia will sell many shirts, give the lad a further contract and get him out on loan again. Could be a golden nugget…….
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PortmanTerrorist added 13:27 - May 6 He has to be in the building next season. We need to have younger players on the bench that do not weaken us, and there are few examples in the Club. Baggott and Humphries should be involved and should not impact negatively (perhaps help aid us) on a promotion push !
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trevski_s added 13:56 - May 6 Baggott is a tough one to call. He has had a good season with Blackpool when he's been available and looked good in the few games that he's played for us, has a good head on his shoulders, has international experience and very similar physical build to Burgess (they seem to be very similar players). I think his situation will come down to whatever happens with Burgess (although I think Baggott contract is also meant to be up this summer). Baggott could be a great one for the future so I would like to see us keep hold of him and eventually have two Ipswich academy players as the main CBs (Baggott and Wolfy)

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armchaircritic59 added 23:45 - May 6 Players blossom at different ages, and a 22yo central defender is still very young. The raw talent is there for sure, and clearly the proper community spirit of Ipswich Town is in his blood too. Worth persevering with for at least another season.
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