IF Rovers fans must look to the future in the hope that Owen Coyle can give them a shot at getting out of the Championship, it would take a cold heart to deny them the chance to look back and show their appreciation.

That’s what they did on Saturday by giving old boss Gary Bowyer a superb reception when he emerged from the Bloomfield Road tunnel.

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They chanted his name numerous times and applauded back when he acknowledged their good wishes.

Coyle has still to convince a few of the Rovers faithful about his suitability for the Ewood Park job, some holding his time at Turf Moor against him.

And a disjointed first half at Blackpool will have done little to change their minds.

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But he revealed afterwards the players had been given a tough time during the week, first with a sweaty workout at an uncharacteristically sticky Spotland, and then in some tough training sessions back at Brockhall.

And when he made five changes at halt-time, and changed his formation, thing improved markedly for those who’d made the short trip over from East Lancashire.

The best news for the fans was the return of Shane Duffy after being given time off following his Euro 2016 exploits with Ireland.

The Men in Green’s dream ended with a red card for Duffy against France in Lyon. But Saturday ended with him narrowly missing with a header before getting a well-earned rest.

While Duffy enjoyed his 76 minutes on the Bloomfield Road pitch, Anthony Stokes enduring a frustrating 45 before making way at half-time.

Stokes spoke last week of the dovetailing nicely with strike partner Danny Graham due to their different styles and differing attributes.

But apart from one neat exchange just after the half hour, which ended with Stokes being crowded out, they simply couldn’t get going.

The huge empty spaces around the stands didn’t help. It might have been a pre-season clash, but the civil war that threatens to bury the Seasiders under a sandcastle of infighting is apparent with the lack of home fans and general feeling of doom.

The Rovers faithful gave a better showing than their team in the first half and witnessed them falling behind for the first time this pre-season when Kyle Vassell struck, The striker turned Elliott Ward and then shaped to curl a left-footer into the far corner of Jason Steele’s net, but saw it deflect off a lunging Duffy and into the opposite corner.

Blackpool kept up the pressure without producing any sparkling football, leaving the prospect of a half-time cuppa preferable to any injury time.

But just as the interval approaching, Jack Byrne spotted Ben Marshall free on the left and lofted a pass into his path.

There was still plenty to do, but Marshall followed up a lovely step-over with a sharp shot that took a touch off the defender on its way into the back of the net.

While the second-half highlights won’t be breaking YouTube viewing records, there was more to admire.

Hope Akpan added some power and thrust in midfield and Liam Feeney looked a bigger threat on the left.

Graham has been the headline-grabber since Coyle brought him in permanently following last season’s loan.

And he got the chance to kept up his scoring record when Elliott Bennett’s cross from the right looked perfect for him to nod home at the far post.

The striker scored a glorious header at Rochdale, but this time he cleared the bar.

Graham will be back on the scoresheet, Stokes will get another chance to impress, and Corry Evans will get more than the 14 minutes he did against Blackpool as he also recovers from the Euros.

Rovers are yet to be beaten in pre-season, but Coyle, his players and the fans will all be looking for a bit more against FC Girona and Nott County next weekend.