Blackpool boss tips Lumley to shine

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The Seasiders were dealt a blow on Wednesday when the shot-stopper was recalled early from his loan spell at Bloomfield Road.

The decision came after QPR keeper Matt Ingram picked up concussion in their game against Brentford at the weekend, which rules him out of action following the seven-day protocol.

Lumley has delivered a number of impressive performances since arriving at Bloomfield Road in January on a loan deal until the end of the season.

During that time he has kept nine clean sheets in 18 appearances, playing a vital role in steering the Seasiders away from the relegation zone and up into the top half of the table.

“I was absolutely gutted when I took the call from Ian Holloway because Joe has come in and made a massive difference to the team,” Bowyer said.

“He’s a fantastic young goalkeeper, he’s a great lad who I’ve really enjoyed working with.

“He’s always wanting to get better, asking questions about what he can improve on and he’s made a massive impact at the club.

“If he had been here all season, he’d probably have won Player of the Year in my opinion.

“That’s how good he’s been for us.

“He loves keeping clean sheets. In training he hates conceding goals and that’s a fantastic attribute to have.

“He’s really competitive and we wish him all the best.

“I think QPR have got a wonderful goalkeeper there, who I believe can go on to be as good as he wants to be and go as high as he wants to.

“I would love it if he were to go on and get the number one jersey at QPR because that means we’ve helped him in that process.

“I hope that’s what he can do but that’s down to Ian Holloway now, that’s his headache.

“But he certainly goes back there in a better position than he was when he first arrived, because he’s got another 18 odd games under his belt.

“That’s experience and for goalkeepers especially, at that age, that’s what they need. They need to be playing week in, week out.”

When asked if there’s any chance of bringing Lumley back next season, Bowyer said: “I would take him back tomorrow.

“I would go down to London now, drive myself, and get the forms signed; I’d get the accommodation all ready for him and I’d drive him back up here.

“That’s how much I think of him and I’ll certainly be keeping in touch with Mr Holloway over the summer – not that he’ll appreciate that!”