John Mousinho has spoken regarding Blackpool loanee Owen Dale’s future, however does not expect The Tangerines to allow him to return to Fratton Park next season according to The News, Portsmouth .
Dale appeared 50 times during his season long loan with Pompey, scoring twice as well as supplying five assists during his stay at Fratton Park. Mousinho has said that it is not completely out of question of a return next season for the 24-year-old, however having lost his starting position for The Blues in the final four matches of the season, it seems highly unlikely that the right winger will be returning to the South-coast side.
The Pompey manager expects Dale to challenge for a place in the first team in what will be somewhat of a rebuilding season for Blackpool after their relegation from the second tier. The Tangerines will no doubt be looking to rebuild the side in their chase to return to the second tier, which could open the door for a starting spot for Dale. The Englishman still retains plenty of potential and first team experience which could put him in the picture in pre-season. With his contract up next Summer, it would be no surprise to see him working hard in pre season in order to impress whoever is next through the door at Bloomfield Road before what will be a big season for the 24-year-old.
Who is Owen Dale?
Across his career, Dale has primarily played on the right wing but has at points been deployed in other positions across the attack. Having come through the academy at Crewe Alexandra, Dale had been loaned out to Blackpool at the beginning of the 2021 season, and after a string of impressive performances, he was snapped up for a fee of £600,000 in the 2022 January transfer window. However the winger has made only a handful of appearances since joining permanently, but his game time may now see an increase after Blackpool’s relegation to the third tier. That being said, Dale will need to be working on his end product which has been one of the main problems throughout his career if he wants to be in contention for a place in the first team.
What’s been said?
John Mousinho: “With Blackpool being relegated, I would expect to see Owen featuring for them next season”.
“It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they wanted him back for the first day of pre-season, he challenges for a spot in the side, and we actually face him next season.”
“Overall, his contribution was excellent, he worked his socks off, was very, very good in everything he did for us”.
Writers view
It will be no surprise to see Dale back at Blackpool next season with it looking unlikely that he’d be loaned to any other League One rival. If improving on his end product and goal involvement then he will definitely be knocking on the door for a place in the first team, and if not then will be looking to impress off of the bench. If he can do just that then he may be rewarded with a new contract at Bloomfield Road in what will be a huge contract year for the Warrington born winger.
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