KEVIN Gallacher believes it is hard to judge Michael Appleton’s Blackpool reign after only 12 games in charge at Bloomfield Road.

Appleton was appointed as Blackpool boss in November after leaving Portsmouth, where he was forced to battle the club’s financial problems.

The 37-year-old has won two, drawn eight and lost two of his games at Blackpool so far but did not take training yesterday after Rovers made an official approach to speak to him.

“Blackpool looked at him and saw that he has been in charge of a club in turmoil where he had to deal with losing players and bringing new ones in,” Gallacher said.

“He’s gone to Blackpool but after only 12 games he’s not really set the world on fire, I think he’s had two wins in 12 games.

“But I know people do talk about his coaching skills.”

Gary Bowyer has won all three of his games in caretaker charge so far and Gallacher believes that has reduced the urgency for an appointment.

“Any manager’s a gamble, whether he’s an experienced one or not,” said the Scot.

“But Gary Bowyer has done well so far and has been getting results.

“That buys you time to have a look at the situation.”