Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer expecting Kelvin Mellor to sign for Bradford City

Blackpool manager Gary Bowyer has today told The Gazette he expects Kelvin Mellor to turn down the Seasiders and sign for Bradford City instead.
Gary Bowyer with his assistant Terry McPhillips before today's friendly at CreweGary Bowyer with his assistant Terry McPhillips before today's friendly at Crewe
Gary Bowyer with his assistant Terry McPhillips before today's friendly at Crewe

Bowyer told The Gazette last week that he was confident a sealing a new deal for the free agent, whose contract at Blackpool ended at the start of July.

It is understood a deal was close last week, but it appears Mellor has had a last-minute change of heart - much to the annoyance of Bowyer who had left the door open for the right back to return.

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Bradford looks to be the most likely destination, a club Mellor was linked with during the January transfer window.

“I don’t think he’s signing for us, I think he’s going to sign for somebody else," Bowyer said after Blackpool's 1-1 draw at Crewe Alexandra today.

When asked if that club is Bradford City, Bowyer replied: "Apparently so. That’s that one done.

“How big a blow is it? I think only time will tell in that sense.

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“The way it ended up being done by Kelvin himself has not been great to be perfectly honest.

“I don’t know the answer to that question.”

Bowyer was also quizzed about the future of Curtis Tilt amid continued speculation over the defender's future.

“That’s a question you’ll have to ask someone else at the football club. It’s not down to me on that," he added.

“The boy has been fantastic all pre-season and he’s had a wonderful year with us.

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“I just felt today he was a little bit tired and a little bit frustrated, but we’ll see what next week brings.”

The Seasiders ended their pre-season preparations with today's draw at Crewe, with Chris Taylor the man on the scoresheet.

Pool now turn their attention to next Saturday's League One curtain raiser against Wycombe Wanderers.