Why Blackpool took the surprise decision to allow club stalwart Nathan Delfouneso join Bolton Wanderers

That's according to Blackpool's chief executive Ben Mansford, commenting after the club stalwart agreed to terminate his contract to sign a two-year deal with Ian Evatt's men.

Delfouneso made 240 appearances for Blackpool over four separate spells, scoring 39 goals in total.

Mansford admits it wasn't an easy decision to let the club's longest-serving player leave, but believes it is the right outcome for both parties.

“Del has been an absolute pleasure to have around the football club and he’s been that way since he joined, initially on loan in 2012," he said.

“The opportunity came along and I think it was right for all three parties. Del has one year left on his contract and he’s signed a longer term contract there.

“He’s been brilliant on the pitch and he’s also been a real credit to himself off the pitch. He’s been a bit of a hero in the community as well.

“I appreciate the situation and the status he has with the fans but I think it was just the right situation for everyone involved at the time."

Four of Blackpool's six summer signings have come in the forward department in the form of Keshi Anderson, CJ Hamilton, Oliver Sarkic and Jerry Yates.

Mansford admits that would have pushed Delfouneso down the pecking order at Bloomfield Road.

“We’ve strengthened at the top end of the pitch, so when this situation arose Neil (Critchley) and Nathan had some footballing conversations," he said.

“It’s an opportunity for Nathan to go to a club that is local, that will have aspirations to be towards the top of their league and it just felt it was the right move.

“I’m glad it’s all been conducted privately and Nathan has had his time to explore it and he now goes with our best wishes because he’s been a fantastic servant to this football club."

Delfouneso's departure came as a surprise to many, but Mansford says the situation was handed amicably by all those involved.

“It’s just about how you communicate with people," he added.

"Del is a good professional, he’s very comfortable communicating with people from the top to the bottom of the club and Neil is the same.

“Neil is a consummate professional who acts with the utmost integrity and honesty and we’ve all had grown-up, professional conversations.

“I wish Del all the best.”