'We all know' - Ex-Cardiff City and Luton Town man takes first step towards proving himself in new Blackpool FC role
Blackpool progressed to the second round of the EFL Cup with a 3-1 victory over Grimsby Town in their first outing of the 2026/27 season.
Josh Bowler was able to enjoy the benefits of a well executed game plan in Blackpool’s victory over Grimsby Town on the opening weekend of the EFL season.
The Seasiders claimed a 3-1 victory at Blundell Park in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday afternoon, which sends them into League One action with a spring in their step.
This will be the case for Bowler in particular, who stole the ball back on the edge of the opposition, before slotting past Christy Pym for the second goal of the contest.
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Both in Lincolnshire and during the latter parts of pre-season, the 27-year-old has been used in a wing-back role.
While this suits his strengths of playing out wide, it also requires some additional attributes that may not have come naturally in the past.
Heading into his third spell in Tangerine last summer, the former Nottingham Forest man had endured tough loan spells with the likes of Cardiff City and Luton Town, and will still be determined to discover his best form in familiar surroundings.
Blackpool boss Ian Evatt has spoken in depth to Bowler about what he wants, and believes the rewards he reaped at the weekend will only boost the confidence the Bloomfield Road fans favourite.
“It’s great for me, because one of my big phrases is press to score,” he said.
“That’s how you keep forward players, and I’m including Josh in that, engaged with it. It’s hard work, and we’re asking them to do a lot of hard work, but when you do it right and at the correct intensity, the reward is there for all to see.
“I’m sure he’ll take some confidence from that - he can do it and he can press. His all-round performance was fantastic.
“It’s great to see Josh taking on board the things that we are talking to him about. We all know how talented he is.
“The pressing to score theme which we’ve spoken about a lot at Squires is really evident - that goal embodied it and keeps the forwards bought into it how much hard work it is. When you do steal it back high up the pitch, the goal is there.
“Josh managed to press at the right time, with the right angle, and to the right intensity.”