Fans react to Bowyer appointment at Blackpool

The 44-year-old signed a one-year rolling contract last night after meeting chairman Karl Oyston over the bank holiday weekend, and impressing enough to storm to the top of Pool’s list.

Blackpool’s four-man selection panel considered a number of managers, including Micky Mellon, Keith Southern, Gary Brabin and previous favourite Dave Jones.

Despite holding extensive talks with the former Cardiff boss, the impression made by Bowyer made Oyston’s decision easy.

It’s understood Bowyer is a friend of Richie Kyle, the only remaining member of Blackpool’s coaching staff, something which helped sway Oyston’s decision.

Bowyer, a player with Hereford United, Nottingham Forest and Rotherham United, stepped up to take charge of Blackburn Rovers in May 2013 and guided the club to eighth and ninth-placed Championship finishes in his first two seasons in charge.

He previously had two caretaker spells at Ewood Park, having gone unbeaten in a four-game stint in charge, before steering the club away from relegation troubles in the same season.

The news came as a surprise to many Blackpool fans, and the Supporters Trust told The Gazette they hope Bowyer’s experience of working under the controversial Venky’s family at Blackburn will come in handy at Bloomfield Road.

Their spokesperson, Christine Seddon, said: “Maybe because he’s worked for the Venky’s he now feels he has experience to deal with the situation at Blackpool.

“The big question I’d ask is, does he know what he’s let himself in for?

“You have to hope he’s come here with his eyes wide open.”

Bowyer is expected at Bloomfield Road this morning to meet the remaining staff, and will get straight into planning for the coming League Two campaign.

While Seddon admitted Bowyer appeared a decent manager, she insisted many Pool fans will need convincing.

She said: “I wouldn’t say I am particularly blown away.

“He went into Blackburn trying to do a job and it appears he’s a competent manager.

“It’s hard to get excited by any manager for fans at the moment, I don’t think it’s a name which will get fans flocking back to Bloomfield Road.”