Blackpool's League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers have sacked manager Michael Duff after just five games of the new season. The Seasiders themselves are seeking a response after back-to-back defeats left them 11th in the table with seven points from five matches.
Wycombe Wanderers made the brutal decision to part ways with Michael Duff and his assistant Alex Morris. The Chairboys are winless this campaign, with three draws and two losses leaving them 23rd in the standings. Duff's final game saw his side squander a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with MK Dons on Saturday. The club stated the move followed "a disappointing run of results since the spring" and that an interim head coach would be appointed.
Ian Evatt's side fell to a 3-1 defeat away at Reading's Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday. According to the Blackpool Gazette, the loss followed a midweek 2-1 defeat at Barnsley, ending the team's unbeaten start. George Earthy gave Reading an early lead, with Kyreece Lisbie and a late Jacob Brown strike sealing the win after Leighton Clarkson had pulled one back for Blackpool. The result means Blackpool have now conceded seven goals while scoring nine this season.
The recent setbacks have seen Blackpool drop to 11th place in League One. They have taken seven points from a possible fifteen, with two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their recent form reads LLWWD, and they currently sit five points behind early leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
Opposition analysis from The Tilehurst End outlines the background of Blackpool boss Ian Evatt. The 44-year-old former defender was appointed in October last year, taking over from Steve Bruce. He previously managed Barrow and Bolton Wanderers, winning promotion with both clubs. Evatt guided Blackpool to a 13th-place finish last season and favours an attacking, direct style of football.
Attention now turns to Blackpool's next fixture, a home game against Bromley on September 12. Bromley are currently 21st in the table, presenting an opportunity for Evatt's men to return to winning ways at Bloomfield Road. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on our fixtures page. Blackpool will be aiming to use the home game to close the five-point gap to the top of League One.
