Blackpool have had a disappointing start to their League One campaign so far. On the back of this, they have reportedly shortlisted a former player as their candidate should they sack Steve Bruce.
The Tangerines are reportedly interested in former Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt as a possible replacement. The 43-year-old has been out of work following his departure from the Toughsheet Community stadium at the start of 2025.
How have Blackpool fared this season?
After significant investment in Blackpool’s squad in the summer there was expectation that they would be challenging for promotion this season. Experienced players such as George Honeyman and Fraser Horsfall raised expectations for Bruce’s side.
Those expectations have not been met, however, with Blackpool sat 22nd in League One. They started the season with three straight defeats in all competitions.
Stevenage ran out 3-2 winners on the opening day at Bloomfield Road before defeats against Exeter City (4-1) and Port Vale (1-0) in the EFL Cup followed. Bruce’s side managed to pick up their first win of the season against Huddersfield Town in the third gameweek.
Since their maiden victory, they have picked up one point from nine available and scored one goal. That one goal and point came in their most recent game at home to Bolton.
With four points from their opening six games, the Lancashire side find themselves in the relegation zone. This has led to reports suggesting that Ian Evatt is being eyed up as a possible replacement for Steve Bruce if results don’t improve.
What would Ian Evatt’s Blackpool look like?
Throughout his managerial career, Evatt has consistently been associated with a style of play. The 43-year-old prefers to play attacking football based upon the emphasis of keeping hold of possession.
In his last full season in League One, Evatt’s Bolton finished third and reached the play-off final. His side were ranked second for average possession across the season (59.6%) and accurate passes per match (380.1).
A Blackpool side under Evatt may increase their attacking output significantly as well. During the 2023-24 season, Bolton scored an average of 1.9 goals-per-match which was the joint highest in League One.
His aggressive desires out of possession would allow his potential Blackpool side to win the ball higher up the field of play. Under Evatt, Bolton won possession in the final third 4.3 times per match which was joint-second highest in the division.
Should Ian Evatt take over as Blackpool boss, there would be a significant shift in playing formation as well. The 43-year-old prefers a three-at-the-back system and regularly set his sides up in a 3-1-4-2 formation.
In contrast, Steve Bruce has played 4-4-2 for the vast majority of games in charge of Blackpool. Taking all of these points into account suggests, Blackpool under Evatt would look very different than under Bruce.
What next for Blackpool?
It is clear that the current points tally and position of Blackpool does not match the expectations from the beginning of the season. Their summer recruitment was done to give them a chance of challenging for promotion to the Championship.
With this in mind, the next few games are crucial for Steve Bruce should he wish to remain in charge. Their next fixture against Northampton Town will most likely be viewed as a must win for Bruce’s side.
Following that, tough games against Barnsley, Bradford City and Luton Town will prove whether Bruce’s side can compete with those currently at the top of League One. Should the Blackpool hierarchy look to part ways with Bruce, it may be that Evatt is waiting for the role having been out of work since January:
“I was ready for a rest, and I’ve really enjoyed the break, but I’m starting to get itchy feet again and thinking about what comes next”
“I’ve had some offers that I’ve turned down, and didn’t feel was quite right for me at that moment”
Given that Bruce is still in charge, it would suggest that the 64-year-old still has the board’s backing. However, should results fail to pick up, it may be that the hierarchy look to win back the supporters by appointing a former player who made over 250 appearances during his time at Blackpool.
