Former Blackpool defender Andy Taylor has detailed the coaching ambition of the club's new manager, Ian Evatt. Taylor, who served as Bolton Wanderers' B-team head coach while Evatt was in charge at the University of Bolton Stadium, described the 40-year-old's methods as highly analytical.
"He’s really tactically detailed, he breaks the game into small segments and really analyses it," Taylor said. The former left-back, who made 61 appearances for Blackpool between 2016 and 2018, believes Evatt's approach requires intelligent players. "He’s very possession-based and detailed, so you’ve got to be an intelligent player to play under him, so I think I would’ve enjoyed that side," he added.
Taylor, also 40, ended his playing career early due to injury and moved into coaching, completing his badges while still a player. He spent two-and-a-half years with Bolton's under-21s before joining Barrow as assistant coach this summer, a move he described as a long-term ambition. His connection to Blackpool runs deep, having won promotion from League Two with the club in his first full permanent season and also serving as captain.
Recent Struggles and Upcoming Challenge
Evatt's detailed philosophy is being implemented at a critical time. Blackpool sit 15th in League One with eight points from seven games, having lost four of their last five matches. Their most recent result was a 3-2 defeat away to Wigan Athletic last Tuesday, with goals from Tom Bloxham and Jerry Yates not enough to prevent a third consecutive league loss.
The immediate focus is on halting that slide with a trip to face Notts County this Saturday. County are 20th in the table, making it a significant opportunity for Blackpool to climb the standings. Evatt, who was 'really delighted' to get the Blackpool job, brings a CV that includes successful promotion, which supporters hope can be replicated at Bloomfield Road.
Taylor observed Evatt's work closely during their shared time at Bolton and noted the manager's observant nature, something Taylor shared as a player who constantly asked questions of his own coaches. He left his role with Bolton's 21s after 18 months, feeling a new challenge was needed, and seized the chance to join Barrow.
For Blackpool, the challenge is immediate. After the disappointment at Wigan, where they conceded three times, the team must regroup quickly. The full fixtures list shows a busy period ahead, starting with the match at Meadow Lane. Evatt's task is to translate his detailed, possession-focused coaching into results that can move the Seasiders up from 15th place and close a seven-point gap to the leaders.
More detail at blackpoolgazette.co.uk
