Scouting report: Blackpool

Currently ensconced comfortably in mid-table in the fourth tier, the Tangerines have enjoyed a steady start to their 2016/17 campaign and will be hoping to build on it as the season progresses.

With all this taking place under the stewardship of a new manager in Gary Bowyer, the Manchester-born 45-year-old is now settled at the club having taken over the reins at Bloomfield Road back in June following the departure of Neil McDonald.

And set to pit their wits against higher league opposition in Wanderers this evening, tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy group stage clash will certainly prove a test of their credentials as they look to make their mark this term.

They have however already defeated the Whites once this season in the first round of the Capital One Cup back in August, with the Seasiders running out 4-2 winners after extra time at Bloomfield Road before eventually bowing out against Crystal Palace in the second round of the competition.

In the Checkatrade Trophy meanwhile, Pool currently sit second in Group A having defeated Cheltenham Town 2-1 in the first game, running out 2-1 winners courtesy of a brace from Kyle Vassell.

A former full-back meanwhile, the 45-year-old played for the likes of Hereford United, Nottingham Forest and Rotherham United during his playing days before retiring due to injury in 1997. 

Moving into coaching with Carshalton Athletic just a year later, he spent two years with the club before being appointed as Under-17 coach at Derby County. 

Named as Blackburn Rovers’ Under-18 coach in 2004, he was forced to wait until late 2012 until enjoying his first taste of senior management when he acted as caretaker manager after the departure of Henning Berg. 

Again acting in the same capacity following the dismissal of Michael Appleton in 2013, he was finally given the reins permanently in May of that year. Remaining in charge at Ewood Park until late 2015, he spent seven months out of the game before linking up with tonight’s visitors back in June.

Former Carlisle United man Brad Potts provides attacking capabilities and an eye for goal to Gary Bowyer’s Blackpool outfit. 

The midfielder, who can play wide or in the middle, agreed a two-year deal at Bloomfield Road in June 2015, with the option of a further 12 months. 

Capped by England Under-19s, the Hexham-born midfielder started his career with Carlisle United after coming up through their youth ranks. 

Scoring eight goals in 43 games for The Cumbrians in 2014/15, Potts was also nominated for the League Two Player of the Month award that November. 

Born in Hexham, the 22-year-old departed Brunton Park with 118 appearances to his name after breaking into the first team in 2012 and was a regular at Bloomfield Road last season, making 46 appearances and bagging six goals. 

This term meanwhile he also boasts four goals to his name, including one against Wanderers as the Seasiders ran out 4-2 winners in the Capital One Cup back in August.