Blackpool manager Ian Evatt is focusing on a response after his team suffered two League One defeats in a week. The Seasiders lost 2-1 away to Barnsley before a 3-1 defeat at Reading, dropping them to 11th place with seven points from five games.
Evatt has a clear plan for the squad's recovery and preparation. Players who featured heavily in the recent matches will have gym-based sessions early in the week, while others will train at full intensity. "The tap has to stay on," Evatt said, emphasizing the need to maintain focus. He acknowledged the challenging schedule but stressed the importance of learning from the dip in energy levels seen at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Evatt views the period as a learning curve for his squad. He said the group must adapt better during busy stretches of the season. The manager remains positive, noting the team's different feel compared to last campaign and the 41 games still to play.
Reading's 3-1 victory was a comprehensive and entertaining performance. It highlighted a stark contrast to the final day of last season, when Reading lost at home to Blackpool without a shot on target. This time, Reading created numerous chances, with Kyreece Lisbie scoring his first goal for the club and Andy Rinomhota impressing in midfield.
For Blackpool, it was a flat display following a disrupted journey home from Barnsley. The Seasiders had taken an early lead at Oakwell through Josh Bowler, only to concede a controversial late winner to Amani Richards. That result ended their unbeaten start, and fatigue appeared to be a factor in the subsequent loss at Reading. The team has scored nine goals but conceded seven so far this season.
Blackpool's recent form reads two losses, a win, a win, and a draw (LLWWD). They currently sit 11th in the table, five points behind early leaders Sheffield Wednesday. Blackpool had a strong start prior to the Barnsley game, with seven points from their first three matches against Stockport, Peterborough, and Wycombe.
The team's immediate focus is on halting the slide. Their next match is a home fixture against 21st-placed Bromley on September 12. A look at the standings shows the league remains tightly packed, offering a quick chance to climb. Manager Ian Evatt, appointed last October, will be aiming for a promotion challenge in his first full season in charge.
Blackpool's squad, which saw eight new arrivals in the summer, will need to demonstrate the resilience Evatt is asking for. The manager wants his side to get back to the form that yielded those early season points. The response begins in training this week, with all minds set on the Bromley test at Bloomfield Road.
