Bowyer: Blackpool can get Matt firing again

Released by Fleetwood Town last month, Matt is determined to bounce back up to League One at the first attempt. And it was that drive which impressed Bowyer.

The Blackpool boss told The Gazette: “Everyone has ambition – I certainly do – and I want players who share that ambition. It was something which really impressed me with Jamille – he was desperate to do well and get out of this league.

“I enjoy working with those players. He really wants to learn and improve.”

Matt’s three and a half years at Fleetwood were hit by injury but he ended last season in style on loan at Plymouth, his seven goals in 14 appearances helping them to the League Two Play-off Final at Wembley.

Bowyer is convinced there’s much more to come from the 25-year-old.

He said: “Jamille was unfortunate at Fleetwood but I think he’s over injury now. You have to say his form with Plymouth at the end of the season was impressive.

“He showed there what he’s capable of doing in League Two.”

Pool have since signed Kyle Vassell to add to the competition for places up front. And with Jack Redshaw, Mark Cullen and Danny Philliskirk already on the books, Bowyer said: “I’d say we are pretty much done in that department.

“I think we have a mixture of players now up front and that will be key for us. I felt we needed Jamille’s size and stature at the top end.

“I now feel everyone we have in attack brings something different and that’s important. It will hopefully cause opponents problems.”

Plymouth were disappointed not to keep Matt, but having recently become a father the opportunity to remain on the Fylde coast appealed to him.

Bowyer added: “I met his family before he signed. He’s got a young baby and his girlfriend is settled in the area. It means there’s no settling-in period for him and that’s a big bonus for us.”

First-team coach Richie Kyle has gained his UEFA Pro Licence from the English FA – becoming one of the youngest coaches in the country to do so at 31.

Kyle, who gained his A Licence in 2012, now holds the highest coaching award available and is qualified to be a Premier League manager.

Pool’s former youth coach served as assistant manager to Neil McDonald last season. New boss Bowyer is yet to confirm his support team.