Ian Evatt substituted new signing Josh Earl during a 4-2 defeat to Plymouth Argyle, citing a need to change the game after defensive errors. The result leaves Blackpool 15th in League One with eight points from seven games, which is 11 points from the automatic promotion places and 6 points above the relegation zone. Their next fixture is an away trip to face Notts County on Saturday, September 26.
Jordan Brown had given Blackpool the lead on the half hour mark, but Oliver Irow's brace and a goal from Harvey White put Plymouth in control before the hour. Evatt withdrew Earl, who had started every game since his arrival from Barnsley on a three-year deal, as part of a tactical shift.
"I just thought we were making too many errors, and Josh was part of that," Evatt said. "This isn’t about pointing the finger at anyone; it’s just about trying to change things in the game."
Jerry Yates pulled a goal back for Blackpool with twenty minutes to play, but Aribim Pepple sealed Plymouth's win late on. Evatt said his team threw everything at the second half to find belief. "We got a little bit with Jerry’s goal, but we just gave all that momentum away with another crazy moment," he added.
The manager acknowledged his side is currently too easy to score against, having conceded thirteen goals this season. The loss was Blackpool's third in their last five League One matches, a run that includes a 4-0 win over Peterborough but also defeats to Reading and Barnsley. You can review the team's recent results and upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
With two weekends off due to international call-ups, Evatt framed the break as a chance for reassessment. "I wouldn’t say it’s a relief; it’s more of an opportunity," he stated. The manager said the work to restore confidence starts with him and that he will not criticise the players. He emphasised the need to use the break to work on the training ground, focusing on defensive organisation and building resilience after a difficult period of results.
Blackpool return to action on Saturday, September 26, with an away trip to face Notts County, who are 20th in the table.
More detail at Blackpool Gazette
On September 21, Ian Evatt said his team looked fearful in the second half of the 4-2 loss to Plymouth. Evatt stated the side never recovered from a first-half mistake. The manager said confidence can leave in a heartbeat. He added it is his job to take responsibility. Blackpool, 15th in League One with eight points from seven games, have scored and conceded thirteen goals this season. Their last result was a 2-4 home defeat to Plymouth on September 19.
On September 21, Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley praised his team's mentality after their 4-2 win at Blackpool. Cleverley told reporters he was impressed by his side's calmness and professionalism. He said the players rode the wave after Blackpool's goal and showed confidence. The result moved Plymouth to third in League One. Blackpool, 15th with eight points from seven games, have scored and conceded thirteen goals this season.
