Brad Potts was shocked to be booed on his last return to Blackpool but says another hostile reception will only boost him tomorrow.
The Reds signed the 24-year-old midfielder from the Tangerines last year, after he made 98 appearances and scored 19 goals including in the League Two play-off final win over Exeter City which was his last match for the club. He was booed by the home fans on his first return to Bloomfield Road for Barnsley’s 3-1 Carabao Cup loss in August.
He told the Chronicle: “I was a bit disappointed. My last game for them was in the play-off final and we got promoted, but it’s up to them if they want to boo me. It will only spur me on. I had a really enjoyable time there and I probably played my best football.”
Potts recently lost his place in the side to Mike Bahre but was back in the team on Saturday for the 1-1 draw with Portsmouth. He said: “I probably needed a few games out. My performances weren’t what they were at the start of the season. The way the gaffer wants to play is very intense and, with myself driving forward a lot, it does take a lot out of me.”
Potts is the Reds’ second top-scorer in League One this season with five goals but his only strike in his last 12 games across two months came in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Notts County on November 10. He said: “I haven’t scored for a while so hopefully I will get back on the scoresheet soon then I will go on another run of goals.”
Potts wants to be higher than seventh. He said: “We are underachieving. With the squad we have got, we are capable of beating anyone and being in the top two but we haven’t been consistent enough. We need to put a run of wins together and get up the table. The table doesn’t look great but, if we win our next four games, will be up there.”
Potts played central midfield for Blackpool but is being used on the wing by Reds boss Daniel Stendel. He said: “It’s clear to see that I would prefer to be in the middle but I am playing games so I can’t complain.”
