Twin targets elude Blackpool boss

Gary Bowyer has turned his sights to bringing in some defenders to bolster his squad

The ‘Pool boss was keen to take on two unnamed players but they turned down a move to the seaside for a new challenge across the pond.

He says negotiations are currently taking place to get some new defenders into the club.

He said: “We will have a couple (of players) coming to train next week and we will have a look more at them.

“I’m working very hard to get more in.

“We’ve got a couple of (trialists) in that have been in for a couple of weeks so we will continue with that and hope to get more bodies into the building next week.

“Funnily enough I lost out on two players on Thursday who are going to America which is a first for me in my managerial career – you can’t really fight that one really.

“It is an area that I am looking to strengthen we are in negotiations and talks with defenders as we speak.”

A number of ‘Pool players have picked up minor knocks this pre-season and Bowyer says they have been beneficial as it has highlighted the areas he needs to strengthen ahead of the start of the new League Two season at Bloomfield Road against Exeter on Saturday August 6.

He said’: “(Getting injuries) has been good for me because it highlights what we need to do when we do pick up a couple of injuries and we are in the process of now being in talks with a couple of players to try and bring them into the squad for numbers as well as quality.

“There is never a great time for (injuries) but if there is such a thing as a good time now is probably it for us.”

Tonight’s opponents Tranmere are managed by former Blackpool midfielder Gary Brabin, assisted by another ex-Seasider Paul Carden.

The Rovers’ ranks include Gary Taylor-Fletcher, who played such a key role in Blackpool’s stirring elevation to the Premier League.

At the heart of the Tranmere defence is central defender Stephen McNulty, while his ex-Fleetwood colleague Scott Davies is in goal.