HAVING transfer targets poached by League One clubs with a greater budget has been the thorn in Richie Wellens’ side this summer – as he revealed to the Adver that a potential move for Jamie Devitt was effectively blocked by Blackpool’s big-money offer.

Attacking midfielder Devitt held promising early talks with Town boss Wellens, to the point where the 29-year-old Irishman was offered a contract at SN1.

Following his departure from Carlisle, competition to land Devitt’s services was always likely to be high.

Scottish clubs Hibernian FC and Hearts were reportedly interested, as were Town’s League Two rivals Plymouth.

While Wellens shared his belief that money isn’t the biggest motivator for all players, he accepted offering a deal with more cash on table is always likely to turn a player’s head.

He said: “We couldn’t compete with what Blackpool could pay him.

“I had a chat with Jamie and had an idea that I could sell the club to him.

“In terms of where the conversations go, you can feel if they want to come to the club – body language is a part of that.

“But when a club from a higher division offers more money, it is hard to compete with that.”

Zeki Fryers’ arrival at SN1 proves to Wellens that not all players spend their summer searching for a bigger cheque.

He added: “Zeki could have played higher.

“But ultimately we have missed out on a couple of players where they have simply decided to go to a League One club.”

Location was pin pointed by Wellens as one of Devitt’s key reasons to choose Blackpool over Town.

Based in the north-west, turning down Blackpool to play for Swindon would’ve proved more challenging logistically for the former Hull City man.

“Location is a big thing for players, and money – as in every walk of life,” said Wellens.

“Footballers can get a bad name sometimes because of being money motivated.

“But if you’ve got two or three job opportunities and one offers more money than the other then people tend to go for the better deal.”