Blackpool have taken the opportunity to re-sign Mark Howard from Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer this summer. The 31-year-old previously plyed his trade for the Trotters on a temporary basis during the 2011/2012 season where he acted as cover to Matt Gilks and Mark Halstead due to their injury concerns.

During that period, Howard could only manage four appearances before he was released to join Sheffield United but hopefully, he can have a better experience this time around with manager Gary Bowyer confirming that he would serve as the club’s first-choice shot-stopper for the 2018/19 season.

Bowyer said: “Mark is another fantastic signing for us. He’s a very experienced goalkeeper who has been successful at this level and he also knows the club and the area well. Though we had success in the loan market last season, it was important to have a permanent keeper between the sticks moving forward and I’m delighted that Mark’s agreed to join us.”

Meanwhile, Howard was equally delighted to have made the switch to the Seasiders after a frustrating second season with Bolton, where he largely acted as their back-up goalkeeper, he said: “I’ve been speaking to the manager for a few weeks now and spoke to many clubs as well, but after speaking to the manager I definitely wanted to come down.”

Howard made 33 league appearances for Bolton during his two-year stay but only eight of those came during the previous campaign where they survived relegation in dramatic fashion. He has now signed a two-year deal with the Seasiders and,hopefully, the drop down in division enhances his chances of securing the regular gametime he craves for.

Blackpool were disappointing during the previous campaign where they could only manage a 12th-place finish and they saw them 11 points behind Charlton Athletic, who acquired the final play-off spot for the campaign. Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers, and Rotherham United were promoted to the Championship last term.