Centre-forward Jordan Rhodes is enjoyed an unexpected renaissance at Blackpool, bagging eight goals in nine appearances for the League One side this season.
Jordan Rhodes has spoken for the first time on his frustration over his lack of game time under former Huddersfield Town boss Neil Warnock. The striker fell out of favour at the John Smith’s Stadium, appearing just five times across Warnock’s two spells.
His only league start under Warnock came on the final day of the 2022/23 season against Reading after the Terriers had already secured their Championship status. It was a tough period for Rhodes and the forward felt he had little choice but to explore his options after the club confirmed Warnock’s return in the summer.
In an in depth interview with BBC Sport Lancashire, Rhodes said: “I think the previous three or four months of his [Warnock’s] tenure before the summer arose wasn’t a particularly enjoyable one for me. I thought if that was the case that there might be something on the horizon.”
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The 33-year-old left Town late in the summer transfer window after struggling to force his way into Warnock’s plans. He was linked with a number of clubs, including Derby County, but was snapped up by League One side Blackpool on a season-long loan.
When asked if Warnock had explicitly told him he would be better off going elsewhere in search of regular first team football, Rhodes said: “Not in those direct words, which was a little bit frustrating for myself. You just keep your head down. You try and remain a good person off the field and you try and remain a good professional on it. This summer was no different. I went away and I did my training.
“I worked as hard as I possibly could to get myself in good condition coming back whether that happened to be at Huddersfield or pastures new elsewhere. Luckily, something did come up and I have enjoyed every minute of it since I have been here.”
Rhodes is enjoyed an unexpected renaissance at Bloomfield Road, hitting eight goals in nine appearances. His long-term future is shrouded in mystery.
He is in the final year of his Town contract and it has been well-documented that the Terriers have the option to recall him in January. Rhodes knows Town manager Darren Moore from their time together at Sheffield Wednesday.
On his future, Rhodes said: “I think that’s probably something that is out of my hands at this moment in time. I am just keeping my head down and concentrating on my football. Whatever happens, that’s for other people to decide not me.”
The former player for Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers believes he can still compete at the Championship level. However, continuing to enjoy his football is his top objective.
He declared, “These are new times. “You adjust and make an effort to perform as well as you can.
“At 33 years old, I’m sitting here knowing that I don’t have too many years left in me. I’m simply trying to have fun and give it my all. I’m nearing the conclusion of my career, so the key is to enjoy it and take advantage of the time I have left before it’s all done.
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