Bowyer satisfied with league position

The Seasiders go into the Easter double-header in eighth place in the League Two table, two points off the play-offs with just five games of the campaign remaining.

But considering the circumstances in which he took the job, with the club having suffered consecutive relegations, Bowyer says he is satisfied with their current position.

He said: “At the start of the season, if you had asked me whether I would take going into the last five games two points off the play-offs, I probably would have said ‘yes’ because of the turnaround we’ve had to deal with this season.

“We’re in a good position and that’s what we’ve said to the players in a meeting.

“There’s a hell of a lot to play for and in my opinion it won’t get sorted until that very last whistle.

“I’ve been saying that all along but we’ve just got to make sure we give ourselves the best opportunity of being in the mix.”

Pool play the first of two Easter weekend fixtures at home against Accrington Stanley on Friday, a side just two points behind them in the table.

Speaking before the game, Bowyer was full of praise for his counterpart John Coleman.

He added: “You have to take your hat off to John Coleman and Jimmy Bell (assistant manager) because the job they have done, not just this season and last season, has been brilliant.

“I think with John it’s another example of someone who probably should have had a better opportunity higher up.

“But for whatever reason he hasn’t. Maybe some just don’t think John is sexy enough and I don’t mean that in any other way. He’s just done a wonderful job every season on limited resources.

“He’s also a fantastic personality and a fantastic character ,who plays the game in a great manner and is so passionate about it.

“I don’t think you cannot like the bloke and how he’s gone about it for Accrington Stanley and what he’s done for them.

“The honesty he has is a massive quality to have. You speak to the players who have played for him and they have the utmost respect because of how he is and how he treats them.

“They’ve got some good technicians and some good footballers, so it’s going to be a tough challenge but one we’re looking forward to.

“This season we’ve stepped up against sides that are flying and are in form, so this is no different.”