Blackpool boss bats away future speculation

Bowyer, who is on a rolling contract with the Seasiders, will have attracted plenty of admirers for the magnificent job he has done so far at Bloomfield Road.

Having taken over in June 2016 following Pool’s second successive relegation, the former Blackburn Rovers boss masterminded the club to promotion from the fourth tier before guiding them to a top half finish in League One this season.

He was recently linked to the vacant manager’s job at Sunderland, but Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is currently the bookies’ odds-on favourite.

When asked what his future holds, Bowyer replied: “I don’t know, it’s football isn’t it? Nobody knows.

“It’s the same as the nine players who are out of contract, some of them could leave and some could end up signing.

“But I’m contracted to Blackpool Football Club and preparations are underway for next season.

“Pre-season plans are being planned, I’m trying to recruit players and we’re trying to tie other players down for longer.

“So I’ve got a job to do first and foremost.”

Bowyer was speaking after watching his side lose their last game of the season 1-0 against Rotherham United on Saturday.

After an under-par opening half, the Seasiders were the better side in the second period and had more than enough chances to win the game, never mind draw, but Will Vaulks’ goal proved to be the difference.

“I think that last 20 minutes sums up our season to be honest,” Bowyer said.

“I think first half we were abysmal, we were nowhere near it.

“We thought we were just going to come out and have a nice afternoon; well forget that, these are in the play-offs for a reason and have good players.

“We had to tell them that at half-time and we got a hell of a reaction.

“But why do we have to go behind to get the reaction? That’s the disappointing thing.

“Okay we got stuck on the motorway for three hours but it’s no excuse for that first half, because they go on to produce that second half.

“They can’t say the delay hindered their performance.

“You’ve had Nathan Delfouneso’s chance, you’ve had Ollie Turton’s chance at the death and Mark Cullen is adamant he should have had a penalty when the lad pulls him back.

“But forget drawing the game, we have got to be winning the game with the amount of chances we’ve had second half.

“I don’t think Christoffer (Mafoumbi) has had a save to make second half, other than one volley. So I’m really disappointed.”