GREECE IS DEFINITELY THE WORD AS JOSH BOWLS ALONG NICELY
JOSH BOWLER has gone from the Championship with Blackpool to playing alongside World Cup stars Marcelo and James Rodriguez in Greece.
The winger became Nottingham Forest’s 20th signing in the City Ground’s summer supermarket transfer sweep following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
But the 23-year-old – who Everton invested £4.25million in bringing from QPR as a talented teenager – hardly had time for any sightseeing alongside the River Trent before he was being whisked away on loan to Athens and Olympiakos. And it has been quite an eye opener for Bowler, who did not play a single game for Everton, joining Hull City on loan before being snapped up by Blackpool on a free transfer.
“I owe Blackpool and the manager at the time, Neil Critchley, a lot because going there helped restore my confidence,” he said. “I couldn’t say no to Nottingham Forest and the chance to play abroad in Greece with such an iconic team was really exciting.
“It’s a massive stage and the atmosphere at home games is just incredible. You can feel the stadium rocking. There is pressure to do well all the time, Olympiakos are serial winners.”
It was too much for former Huddersfield Town manager Carlos Corberan, who was sacked after just 11 games in charge and has been replaced by former Spanish international Michel.
Bowler was joined at Olympiakos by Marcelo, who had just left Real Madrid after a 15-year spell in which he became the club’s most decorated player.
Days later, there was another big name arrival, former Everton forward James Rodriguez. The Colombian, who has also played for Real Madrid, was picked up by Evangelos Marinakis on a free from Qatari side Al-Rayyan.
Bowler, who is also playing European football with Olympiakos in the Europa League, added: “Being alongside players of this calibre in training can only improve my game. It’s a wonderful experience.
“Also playing in Europe will hopefully improve my game. I love to get on the ball and be positive. It’s all about getting fans off their seats. I’m still learning and what a place to learn.”
For now, Nottingham Forest can wait.