Ex-Preston North End and Luton Town man makes feelings clear on new Blackpool role and changes under Ian Evatt
Josh Bowler has made his return from injury in Blackpool’s last two outings.
Josh Bowler states he’s enjoying exploring a new side of his game following Ian Evatt’s recent changes at Blackpool.
The 26-year-old has predominantly played as a winger throughout his career, but since the appointment of the current Seasiders head coach back in October, he has been utilised in the centre of the park.
Bowler is a firm fans favourite at Bloomfield Road for his efforts during past spells, but experienced a tough few years away from the Fylde Coast prior to his return in the summer.
A three-year stint with Nottingham Forest didn’t provide any first-team opportunities at the City Ground for the 26-year-old, while loan spells with the likes of Preston North End and Luton Town didn’t prove to be successful.
Even the start of his third stint in Tangerine didn’t start in the way he would’ve liked, but his conversion into a number 10 has given him a new lease of life.
“I used to play it in the U23s at QPR and Everton, and it was always a position I liked because I enjoyed getting in the half spaces and driving,” he said.
“Obviously you settle into a position, I settled in at right wing, and stuck with that. As soon as an opportunity arose and the gaffer saw me in that 8 or 10 role, then I didn’t second guess it - I knew I could do it. I knew with the guidance he’s given me I could thrive.
“When he first came in, he noticed that I could do it, so he came up to me and showed me clips and said he wanted me to play there straight from the off.
“I was happy to do it. We’ve done a lot of analysis and time on the pitch to learn it. He’s backed the confidence up in me and kept playing me. I’m really privileged to be playing under him in that position and I’m hoping I can kick on and get better and better.
“It’s completely different. When I’m receiving on the wing, I know the only people behind me are the fans screaming abuse, but in the middle there’s everyone - you’ve got to scan and know what’s around you at all times.
“Defensively as well, you’ve got to do a lot more work. You’ve got to press the centre backs and follow the eights. That side is difficult as well, because I’ve not always been known for my defending, but it’s another style of play I’m enjoying. I’m enjoying getting gritty, following runners and tackling.
“It’s something else I’m trying to add to my game, and I know it’ll make me better.”
Bowler shares frustration
Just as Bowler was getting going under Evatt at the beginning of November, he was hit by a calf problem - which saw him spend just under a month on the sidelines.
The midfielder returned to action from the bench against Carlisle United last weekend, before starting in the 3-0 victory away to Rotherham United at the New York Stadium on Wednesday night.
Discussing his time away from the action, he admitted: “It was so frustrating. Me and the gaffer had a conversation about it. It was just as I started to get going and playing well.
“The team carried on, and I worked hard with Liam (McGarry) - who was amazing with me, he’s got me back in a position where it feels like I’ve not missed anything.
“I came on in the cup the other day and started against Rotherham - it’s been seamless. I was a bit tired at the end but that’s natural. The gaffer has put trust in me to start again, and I’m thriving.
“A lot of points are picked up over Christmas, and it’s vital for us to pick up points, so we’ll do everything we can to build.”
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