A fractured tibia sustained against Colchester earlier this month is set to keep Jim McAlister out for the remainder of Blackpool’s season. His recovery period is expected to take up to six months to recovery.
McAlister is working hard to come back from this long-term setback but Gary Bowyer has revealed a new role has been taken on by the midfielder too as he’s doing some scouting work to keep him involved.
The 31 year old is compiling reports for Bowyer ahead of upcoming meetings with opponents. Explaining the move the boss told the Blackpool Gazette.
‘He`s showing so much enthusiasm to get back playing, even though he`s got half a pot on still, which he`s desperate to get off because he doesn`t like sitting around. We`ve had a chat with him and he`s going to watch some games for us, so he`s still going to be involved. He will be watching the opposition and helping out on that side.’
Adding.
‘It keeps him involved and makes him feel wanted, but at the same time it`s a great opportunity for him to see the other side and see the amount of work and preparation that goes into these meetings we have with the players. He`s got good knowledge and I`m looking forward to some of his reports.’
Despite McAlister’s disappointment at facing at least four months but up to six months on the sidelines Bowyer went on to say McAlister was delighted to do this scouting to keep him involved.
Bowyer has taken a similar approach in the past as Tommy Spurr was used in a similar scouting capacity when they worked together at Championship club Blackburn and Spurr as sidelined by a long-term setback.
Not only does it keep players involved Bowyer finished by saying it could give McAlister – as it would have Spurr – a bit of a heads up into what they might consider when the playing days end.
‘I think it`s important to keep the players involved. And when these players are in the latter days of their career – and I`m not saying Jim or Tommy are – it gives them more of an insight. They might not have thought about coaching or management and this will give them a little insight into it.’
