Pell: I've turned down Blackpool's offer

Weekend stories stated the 25-year-old would be discussing personal terms with the Seasiders after Cheltenham were thought to have accepted a six-figure bid for the midfielder.

Pool boss Gary Bowyer was tight-lipped when asked about any such move following the club’s opening day defeat at Bradford City, saying the club would only make an announcement when there was anything to be said.

However, Cheltenham issued a statement last night confirming that talks had taken place between club and player – but that Pell had decided to stay.

Pell told the Cheltenham Town website: “I have spent the day discussing terms and listening to what they had to say at Blackpool and I have decided that given all the factors, the right decision for my family and I was to turn their offer down and remain at Cheltenham.

“I have spoken to the gaffer (Gary Johnson) and he has reiterated that he’s very happy that I am still a Cheltenham Town player and I am 100 per cent focused on the job in hand with the Robins.

“I’m looking forward to getting back and getting on with our campaign.”

Johnson added: “I, as well as I’m sure the board, fans and players, am very happy that Pelly has decided to stay at the club.

“It’s a credit to everyone at our great club that a player can turn down a League One opportunity to stay at Cheltenham.”

It means Bowyer has to go back to the drawing board in a bid to bolster the Blackpool midfield.

Brad Potts’ departure to Barnsley on the eve of the season has robbed him of a key man in the middle of the pitch.

Debutants Jimmy Ryan and Callum Cooke were joined in midfield on Saturday by striker Nathan Delfouneso, who is learning a new position.

Potts’ untimely exit prompted Bowyer to again reiterate his opposition to the transfer window being open at that stage of the summer.

“This is, as a manager, part and parcel of the game,” he said.

“I’ve also said before I don’t agree with the fact that two days before the start of the season the window is still open.

“I don’t think that’s correct after all that work in pre-season, so we have to get on with it.

“We wish Brad all the best because of what he did for us last season. Thirteen goals from midfield is an unbelievable return but I don’t have a problem with people moving up the divisions.”