CHERRIES striker Wes Thomas is on his way back to Dean Court following the expiry of his loan spell with Championship outfit Blackpool.

Thomas netted three times in nine appearances for the Tangerines, making his final appearance in a 0-0 draw with Hull at Bloomfield Road yesterday.

It is understood Blackpool’s attempts to extend the 25-year-old’s loan agreement, initially for a further month, were politely rejected by Cherries officials this morning.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe reluctantly gave Thomas permission to go on loan after the player had asked to go in November. Chairman Eddie Mitchell subsequently said Thomas would not be allowed to leave Dean Court on the cheap.

Although there was no provision for the agreement to be made permanent, Thomas had been expected to be a target for Blackpool once the transfer window reopened yesterday.

Thomas is under contract to Cherries until 2014 and, should he be sold, the club would be looking to recoup a large chunk of the six-figure sum they paid to Crawley just 11 months ago.

The frontman reunited with boss Michael Appleton at Blackpool after enjoying a fruitful loan spell under him when he was manager at Portsmouth earlier this season.