Blackpool players cannot dwell on Bowyer's exit

Blackpool skipper Jay Spearing is one of those players who has to lead the club in the wake of Gary Bowyers exit this week

The 29-year-old gave a frank interview after a tough week for the players, who were left crestfallen by Gary Bowyer’s resignation on Monday.

“We’re all in shock that it’s happened, so we’ve had to rally round,” Spearing said ahead of today’s first home game of the season against Portsmouth.

“Straight away, even in our group chat, we were saying it’s down to us and there’s nothing we can do about it now. We’ve got to kick on and be ready for the season ahead.

“We had a meeting on Thursday morning and put our stuff on the table.

“We reiterated how we’ve got a lot to be thankful for with the gaffer in terms of what he’s done for us, but sadly he’s moved on.

“He feels that’s the right decision but we’ve got to stick together as a team.

“It’s a massive game on Saturday, our first home game of the season, and we want to go out flying.

“The lads look on form and are really looking forward to proving a point to everyone.

“The spirits are as high as they can be, definitely. We’ve got to pick ourselves up; it’s happened now, the gaffer has gone and we can’t just sit about and sulk.

“We’re grown men and we have got to work together and work as a unit. We’ve got to stick together and get through the season.

“I’m 29 going on 30 now but the lads see me as an experienced player, so the likes of myself, Jimmy Ryan, Mark Howard and Chris Taylor have got to get the lads going.”