Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt believes he is still the right man for the job despite his position being called into question in recent weeks.
The Seasiders have failed to pick up a win in League One since they end of August, when they thumped Peterborough United 4-0 at the end of August. Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Leyton Orient stretched their winless run in the division to six games and left them outside of the relegation places on just goal difference.
Their latest reverse was met with a chorus of boos at the full time whistle at the BetWright Stadium, prompting Evatt to address the situation in the aftermath of the fixture. Speaking to the media, the ex-Bolton Wanderers boss admitted he understood the fans frustrations but pointed to last season’s strong finish as evidence that he can turn things around.
Evatt Remains Defiant
There’s little doubt that Evatt is a popular figure at Blackpool. He was a key player at the club during their rise to the Premier League in 2010 and was an ever present in the squad which competed in the top flight.
His appointment as head coach a little under a year ago was widely applauded, especially because he can count himself a little unlucky not to have achieved promotion with Bolton during his time at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. That’s why calls for his head from the supporters are somewhat reluctant.
Despite that, there’s no getting away from the fact that this group is underachieving. Evatt remains defiant though, insisting he can turn things around. Speaking to The Blackpool Gazette, he said:
“I believe I’m the guy to get us out of this, the players – I know – believe in me and I know people behind the scenes do because they can see what we’re doing and the process we’re undertaking.
“A lot of the fans can’t see that, they only see what the outcome is and I understand how upset and frustrated they are.
“I love this club and I suffer – when they suffer, when we suffer – more than anybody.
“The minute I don’t think I’m that guy that can get this club to where I believe it belongs, then I’ll say.”
🗣️ “I believe in this team.”
Ian Evatt previews tomorrow night’s clash with @MKDonsFC.
🍊 #UTMP | https://t.co/e8zXJvpVbR pic.twitter.com/5yEhEMx6no
— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) October 19, 2026
Results Just A Matter Of Time?
Evatt insists that his team aren’t getting the results they deserve. That stats do seem to back this up, with Blackpool dominating possession in their last two outings, whilst crafting a combined 37 shots on goal.
The alarming thing is that despite this, the Tangerines failed to score in both games. This is a far cry from their results prior, where they were simply unable to outscore the opposition. For example, only Luton Town have scored more than the Lancashire-based team in the bottom half of League One.
These are the positives which Evatt is taking, who believes that the performances are there and the results will follow:
“Prior to the international break, we were giving up lots of big chances, too many spaces in the middle of the pitch.
“The two games post-international break, Cambridge and Leyton Orient, it hasn’t been that at all.
“We haven’t really conceded anything from general play, which is a positive and a plus.
“It’s my job to look at the positives. I know there’s a lot of negatives at the moment – and I’m not trying to avoid any of those – but you can’t keep manifesting on negative energy.
“You’ve got to focus on what are the positives and what can we do to make the negatives better?”
Blackpool will look to earn a third win of the season tonight when they take on struggling MK Dons at Bloomfield Road.