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An insider at the club, who cannot be named here, has revealed to ITFM that Bowditch spoke out against Royle and his tactics during Town's bad run and as a result was left on the sidelines, despite Town's striker crisis.
On boxing day, against Crystal Palace, Rolye described Forster as Town's 'only senior striker that wasn't injured' but ITFM can confirm that Bowditch was fit to play but was sensationally not even named on the bench, leaving only Dean McDonald as a back-up attacking option.
Royle has not stood for players getting above their stations in the past and left Bowditch out of his team to ensure he kept the respect of the dressing room.
It now looks increasingly likely that Bowditch will be offered to clubs, if Town manage to sign another striker over the next week. Alan Lee's arrival, in the words of Joe Royle is looking: "Very, very close."
West Ham would be the first club to be offered the youngster, though their past interest may not remain. Royle may also look to loan out Bowditch if a permanent sale doesn't materialise, as he would go further down the Town pecking-order if another striker arrived. Royle sent Deano out on loan to Turf Moor towards the end of 2004-2005.
In his post-match press conference after the Luton match, Royle did reconcile his differences with Bowditch but he is already known not to be a big fan of the former England U19 player and is known to prefer forwards with a more physical edge to their game.
With the club having already paid £300,000 for Gavin Williams and now about to spend again on another striker, Joe may see it as good business to move Deano on and recoup some of the money spent. Bowditch has not scored in a Town shirt for over a year now and it remains to be seen as to whether his evaluation would still meet the £1million mark.
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