Richard Kingson joins Blackpool

Richard Kingson

Ghana first choice goalkeeper Richard Kingson has joined newly-promoted English Premier League side Blackpool.

The 32-year-old has been negotiating with the newly-promoted side for the past two weeks.

Kingson joins the club on a free transfer after being released by rivals Wigan at the end of last season.

Manager Ian Holloway moved to sign the former Wigan and Birmingham stopper because of a long term injury to Paul Rachubka.

Several clubs including French side Sochaux were keen on signing the shot stopper but they could not meet his wage demands.

Blackpool won the race to sign him and he has been named in the club's official list of 24 players submitted to the Premier League for this season's campaign.

Kingson agreed a one-year contract with the option for a further year.

He is part of the 17 players who do not fulfill the Home Grown Player criteria under the new rules of the English League.

Kingson has been unattached after he was released by Wigan last season where he was consigned to the bench and stands.

He made only four league appearances during his two-year stay but his heroics at the World Cup justified his credentials as a reliable glovesman.

Kingson played for Birmingham City during the 2007/20008 season.

He is expected to join his international team mates in South Africa on Thursday for this weekend's 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Swaziland.