Blackpool boss Bowyer pays Timmins tribute

Gary Bowyer and his Blackpool players dedicated Tuesday night's win against Wigan Athletic to departing goalkeeping coach Dave Timmins.
Dave Timmins has left his role as Blackpools goalkeeping coach for a managerial job in SwedenDave Timmins has left his role as Blackpools goalkeeping coach for a managerial job in Sweden
Dave Timmins has left his role as Blackpools goalkeeping coach for a managerial job in Sweden

Timmins, who joined the Seasiders in July 2016, has been a hugely popular figure among the players and coaching staff at Bloomfield Road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Tuesday night’s surprise 2-0 victory at the DW Stadium was his last game at the club, as he has now been appointed the new boss of Division Two Norrland side Gällivare Malmbergets FF in Sweden.

Timmins, who worked with England international Joe Hart during his time as goalkeeping coach at Shrewsbury Town, said it was an opportunity he couldn’t afford to miss.

“It’s with a heavy heart to go in some ways, but I couldn’t turn this opportunity down,” he said.

“I’ve always been keen to take on a challenge abroad and this is a real, hands-on role coaching the first-team, the youth and the reserves in a beautiful part of the world. I can’t wait to get started now.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I leave behind a fantastic group of staff and players at Blackpool and memories that I’ll cherish.

“Winning promotion at Wembley was probably the best day of my life.

“I’d like to thank the gaffer, who has been absolutely brilliant with me and initially brought me to the club, as well as everybody I’ve worked with.

“Bowing out on that result at Wigan last night was a terrific send off.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bowyer, speaking after Tuesday’s win, paid tribute to the departing coach.

“He’s got an opportunity to manage a club out in Sweden, so we knew this game against Wigan was his last one,” he said.

“We said before the game ‘let’s make it special for him’ and our lads deserve an enormous amount of credit for that.

“Timmo is an unbelievable bloke. His work ethic is amazing.

“He’s a credit to himself and he’s been a credit to this football club and we were absolutely delighted we were able to do that for him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The lads have sent him off with a memory that will live with him forever.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for him to now go out and manage in Sweden and we wish him every success with it.”

Third choice goalkeeper Ben Williams will now take the job until the end of the season.

Bowyer added: “We feel we might already have a replacement with Ben Williams.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’ve spoken with him about it. He’s an invaluable member of the squad anyway but I asked him if he would want to have a little taste of it.

“He’s a very good influence off the pitch and I’m pleased he’s going to do it until the end of the season and we’ll see from there.”