Howard signs up with Blackpool

Fo r m e r St Mi r r e n goalkeeper Mark Howard has been snapped up by Blackpool on a two- year contract.

The stopper, who enjoyed a three-year spell with the Buddies between 2007 and 2010, returns to Bloomfield Road having spent the past two seasons with Bolton.

Prior to that, he featured 104 times for Sheffield United during a four- year stint at Bramall Lane.

He initially joined Blackpool first time round after playing in Scotland with Saints and Aberdeen.

Howard revealed that he was delighted to get the deal done.

He said: “I’ve been speaking to the manager for a few weeks now and spoke to many other clubs as well, but after speaking to the manager I definitely wanted to come down and be part of what he’s trying to build here.

“It’s also important for me to get back playing, and that’s a big motivation in coming.”

And Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer was delighted to land his man, adding: “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.”