Is Ian Evatt Blackpool's Saviour

Is Ian Evatt Blackpool's Saviour

Blackpool were once a side who enjoyed an unlikely run up to the Premier League over a decade ago, but fast forward to the present day, and the Seasiders are well amongst a relegation scrap in League One, or are they?

Veteran manager and ex-player Steve Bruce was sacked by the club at the start of last month after just one year in charge. Blackpool were just one place from the bottom of the table. Surely the new man in charge would have more success.

New Manager New Momentum

On October 21st Ian Evatt was appointed as the new Blackpool boss. The 43-year-old spent seven years at the Tangerines as a player and has been out of a managerial job since leaving Bolton in January.

Since his arrival back at Bloomfield Road, this time in the dugout, Evatt has won all three of his games in all competitions. Their most recent result against Cardiff was the most impressive, with the Bluebirds being one of the favourites for promotion.

Blackpool Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Evatt as Head Coach on a deal until June 2028.

🍊 #UTMP

— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) October 21, 2025

It was just the club's fourth win of the season, and while even in pre-season the fans were hopeful of at least a play-off push, having finished 9th last campaign, their hopes have only been reinforced thanks to the momentum that they now have under their new coach.

They are also still in the FA Cup, having beaten non-league Scunthorpe, so there is plenty for the fans to be excited about.

Since the departure of Bruce, the shift to a more attacking and aggressive style from Blackpool has been clear. The wing-back system has had an instant impact in the 2-1 victory over Peterborough, seeing players having to adapt to new roles.

The former defender has been open about the fact his philosophy is new to the players. Speaking in the build-up to the Cardiff game, Evatt said, "The players are fully invested in his ideas they've fully bought in, as have the rest of the staff."

The manager's comments thus far have been backed up by his side's performances, but their away form will be tested with first a trip to lower league opposition Barrow and then Burton and Leyton Orient in the league.

It's Time To Step-Up

After a busy summer transfer window, Blackpool supporters were quietly confident heading into the new season. In came the likes of former Sunderland captain George Honeyman as well as Fraser Horfall, Jordan Brown, Josh Bowler and Bailey Peacock-Farrell on loan.

Whilst the season got off to a very underwhelming start and continued for the best part of two months, the signings have now started to gel. But one man in particular who is very familiar with the fanbase is Ashley Fletcher, who has been in fine form in recent weeks.

The former Manchester United academy star has notched three goals and an assist in his last three league matches, staking a claim that he is the man to lead the line for the tangerines.

Goalkeeper Peacock-Farrell played excellently against Cardiff, making fine saves to deny the Colwill brothers and Alex Robertson. In total he made 10 saves in the game, proving once again to be an exemplary shot stopper at this level.

A magnificent display between the sticks by Bailey Peacock-Farrell yesterday afternoon. 👏

🍊 #UTMP | @sbk pic.twitter.com/yN4Q7v0F68

— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) November 9, 2025

Josh Bowler has shown glimpses of quality since his free transfer move from Nottingham Forest in August. He assisted Fletcher's first goal, but was forced to be withdrawn on the hour mark, having had an issue with his calf.

After the game, Evatt said it was unknown when he would be back and that the midfielder required a further assessment in what was his best performance up to that point since his return to Bloomfield Road.

The Play-offs Still A Possibility

Blackpool currently sit in 21st place in League One. They are ten points away from the play-off positions, having conceded the third most goals in the league.

With that being said, the Seasiders were predicted by many to push up the table this season. And in football anything can happen, and although boss Evatt's priority will be to steer the club away from the relegation zone, there is always room for the fans to dream.

If Fletcher continues his fine scoring form and his side can sustain being hard to beat, which they proved against the Bluebirds, then they will continue to pose a threat to any opposition that they come up against under new leadership.