Blackpool in talks with Bury's Pugh

Blackpool are in talks with Bury's Danny Pugh as Gary Bowyer looks to add experience to his squad.
Danny PughDanny Pugh
Danny Pugh

The defender, who can also play in midfield, has been offered a new deal at Gigg Lane but is yet to sign, prompting a move from Pool in the last 48 hours.

Pugh, 33, came through the Manchester United youth system and has made over 300 League appearances, including stints with Preston, Stoke and two at Leeds.

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He spent last season with the Shakers, making 48 appearances and operating predominantly as a left-back, though he is just as comfortable across the midfield.

Bowyer is keen on to add League experience, having studied his squad up close at their training camp in Scotland over the past week.

The Pool boss said: “It’s a good chance for me to really assess the level the squad is at.

“Once I get back I’ll have a real idea of what we need to add and which areas we are strong in already. We are all still getting to know each other, the players and the new members of staff.”

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Bowyer got off to the perfect start with Tuesday’s 3-o win over Dundee United at St Andrews and Pool play a second behind-closed-doors friendly tomorrow.

Bowyer told the club website: “The timings and everything are never going to be there straight away but you could see one or two pieces of what we’ve worked on in training coming together.

“We’ll now continue training and increase the intensity again ahead of another game on Friday.”

Keeper Colin Doyle has laughed off jibes about his £1 departure from Blackpool.

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The Gazette revealed that Pool’s relegation from League One activated a release clause in the 31-year-old’s contract, enabling him to leave the club 12 months early for just a quid.

And after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with Bradford, Doyle explained: “I’ve seen all the reaction on Twitter and have been laughing about it.

“Basically, we just had a clause in there that if we got relegated I could go on a free.

“But the Football League don’t allow you to walk away when you’re still under contract, so there has to be some sort of minimal figure.

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“I’ve read the Poundland comments and it’s been quite funny.”

It’s no laughing matter for Pool, who have only one senior keeper (Kyle Letheren) with the season little over three weeks away.

Doyle added: “I wanted to try to play at the highest level I could. My agent phoned last week to say Bradford might be interested and I took it from there. We got it done quite quickly.”