Blackpool tell Bowler 'days of the maverick are gone'
Josh Bowler is in his third spell at Blackpool having initially signed from Everton in 2021
- Published
Blackpool boss Ian Evatt has told Josh Bowler he cannot afford to carry mavericks in the club's relegation fight.
The 26-year-old playmaker has been used from the bench in recent games with the Seasiders scrapping to avoid falling into the League One drop zone.
Evatt recognises the creative talent of the mercurial former Nottingham Forest player but wants to see more from him defensively.
"He's definitely a maverick, but unfortunately for us, and for most teams in football now, the days of the maverick and carrying people out of possession have gone. Everyone has a responsibility," Evatt told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"I use Paris Saint-Germain as a case in point where they had all the mavericks, Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, but won nothing.
"The minute they leave and they play as a team and they work as a team, they win the Champions League. So you can't carry anyone.
"It's great to have these players, these huge talents, but Josh has to also do the other side of the game - and he can do it, I've seen him do it, he did it really well on Saturday.
"It's just for me, consistency."
Evatt's assessment is that Bowler, who has scored twice in the league and provided three assists since arriving at the start of September, is a confidence player who needs an arm around the shoulder to bring the best out of him.
"Josh is a really nice lad, very emotional I would say, and he needs support. He needs support from me, support from his teammates and support from the supporters.
"He's not one that necessarily takes the critique well. He wants more positive messaging.
"If we can give him that, then he'll provide for us what we've seen on occasions.
"We've got to do what we feel is right for the team but he's an incredible talent.
"I'm hopeful that we can find a role for Josh in any system for him to be able to go and showcase his talents, but as I said, it's not just about showcasing that talent with the ball, it's about what we do without it, because the good teams are the best without the ball as well, and that's what we need to be."
