Blackpool FC plan for ex-Luton Town and Cardiff City figure shared after first outing of the summer

Blackpool boss Ian Evatt is hopeful of finding the correct formula to get the best out of Josh Bowler this season.

The 27-year-old is a fans favourite at Bloomfield Road due to his performances during his first spell with the club between 2021 and 2022.

While he proved to be electric in Tangerine, that form proved hard to replicate following a move to Nottingham Forest.

Upon his arrival at the City Ground, the former Everton youngster was immediately shipped out to Olympiacos on loan, before rejoining the Seasiders the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

Over the following two years, temporary stints with Cardiff City, Preston North End and Luton Town all came Bowler’s way, with none of them working out.

It was hoped a permanent return to the Fylde Coast would be the key to rediscovering the attacker’s best form, but there wasn’t an immediate click, with injuries being among the hurdles he was forced to overcome.

While snippets of what he’s capable of were on display, Blackpool find themselves with the challenge of finding the perfect position for the maverick figure.

While Bowler’s best-career form has come on the right wing, he was utilised in a more central role at times last season.

The next few weeks could be key in outlining the responsibilities of the popular character, with his first minutes of pre-season coming against Tranmere Rovers at the weekend.

“Everyone knows, and don’t need to be a coach to understand what Josh Bowler’s skillset is, and what he brings to the table,” head coach Evatt said.

“It’s about how we fit him into what we want to do within reason with a structure. We’re trying to figure that out as we go along.

“Josh is an exceptional talent and hopefully we can utilise that a lot this season.”