Blackpool manager Ian Evatt has explained his squad management decisions following the team's recent defeat to Reading. The Seasiders, currently 11th in League One with 7 points from five games, are now preparing for their next home fixture against Bromley on September 12.
Ian Evatt said he avoided a 'huge risk' by not starting forward Tom Bloxham in the 3-1 loss at Reading. Bloxham, who missed parts of pre-season with an injury, had been a standout performer in the early campaign but showed signs of fatigue in the previous match against Barnsley. Evatt stated the decision was about managing the 22-year-old's workload and also integrating loan signing Jerry Yates, who needs match minutes to build fitness.
"Tom Bloxham has been injured, there's been a lot of fatigue - he's played two games in a few days," Evatt explained. "He's all energy and we could see he was fatigued on Wednesday, so it would've been a huge risk to go again." The manager added that several players, including Dion Charles and Jordan Brown, are still working towards full match sharpness, which contributed to a drop in energy levels during the defeat.
Blackpool's strong start to the campaign was highlighted before the recent setbacks. The Tangerines began the season with seven points from their first four games, sitting third in the table after wins against Stockport County and Peterborough United. Their current league position of 11th reflects a mixed run, with a record of two wins, one draw, and two losses from five matches. The team has scored nine goals and conceded seven, giving them a positive goal difference of two, but they now find themselves five points behind early leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
Manager Ian Evatt, appointed in October last year, guided the club to a 13th-place finish in his first season. He is known for favouring an attacking, direct style of football. Blackpool have brought in eight new players this summer, including permanent signings like goalkeeper Luke Southwood and defender Josh Earl, alongside loan arrivals such as striker Dion Charles. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full squad list on our dedicated page.
Blackpool were among a group of five clubs who made the strongest start to the League One season. The analysis pointed to Blackpool's clean opening, which included a 4-0 win over Peterborough, as a marker of their potential. However, the early promotion picture remains fluid, with the benchmark set by last season's champions Lincoln City, who amassed 103 points. Blackpool's current form of two losses, two wins, and a draw (LLWWD) shows they have room for consistency as they aim to close the five-point gap to the top.
The early season has seen several teams jostle for position, but as the sample of games grows, patterns will become clearer. For now, Blackpool's focus is on returning to winning ways. The full League One standings show the competitive nature of the division this early in the campaign.
Blackpool's immediate task is to prepare for the visit of Bromley on September 12, 2026.
