Key Blackpool figure speaks out amid Nottingham Forest & Fulham transfer interest in attacker

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley wouldn’t confirm that Josh Bowler will remain at the club beyond the transfer deadline tomorrow night.

The 22-year-old winger has impressed this season and he scored his second league goal of the campaign against Fulham yesterday, with the Cottagers known to be admirers of the player.

As well as the Londoners, Nottingham Forest are keen to sign Bowler, with the Reds having seen several bids knocked back for the former Everton youngster.

Bowler’s importance to Blackpool is clear but with his deal effectively ending in 18 months due to an option the club have, they may need to consider serious offers.

And, speaking to Lancashire Live, Critchley admitted he doesn’t know how this saga will play out.

“Lets see what happens, he’s our player, we’re delighted to have him he’s been fantastic for us and we know how good he is, we know what he’s worth. So lets see. We want to be a team or a club that gives young players an opportunity, develops them and if then they have an opportunity to move on and that is right for them and the football club, then we want to be that club that is developing players and giving them the opportunity to further their career.

“But that’s not me pushing him out the door because we’re delighted we’ve got him and he’s been brilliant for us so if he stays 11pm Monday night then we’ll all be delighted obviously.”

The verdict

You have to appreciate the honesty from Critchley here because he is just telling it as it is and he knows that if a suitable offer arrives then Bowler will go.

Ultimately, that’s football. Every player has a price and if it’s met then the club will do business, so it’s simply a case of whether those interested clubs stump up the cash.

Now, it’s