Blackpool manager Ian Evatt has been nominated for August's League One Manager of the Month award. The Seasiders' boss guided his side to seven points from their first three matches, a bright opening to the campaign that has them sitting 11th in the table with seven points from five games.
Ian Evatt's nomination puts him alongside three other managers. Huddersfield Town's Martin Drury also collected seven points from his first three games. Sheffield Wednesday's Henrik Pedersen and Stockport County's Jim McNulty are the other nominees, each with six points from a possible nine in August.
Blackpool's August featured a comeback draw with Wycombe Wanderers, a hard-fought win at Stockport, and a dominant 4-0 victory over Peterborough United at Bloomfield Road. The team's form has been more mixed in early September, but the initial burst was enough to earn Evatt recognition. The club's current league position shows they are five points behind early leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
A detailed look at the Blackpool squad ahead of their upcoming fixture notes that Ian Evatt, appointed last October, has brought in eight new players this summer. Permanent signings include former Reading goalkeeper Luke Southwood and midfielder Karoy Anderson, who impressed on loan last season.
Key loan additions are strikers Dion Charles and Jerry Yates. Winger Josh Bowler is also highlighted as a key player following his return to the club last summer. The squad has shown it can score, with nine goals in the league so far, but defensive issues have seen seven conceded.
Blackpool's first defeat of the season was confirmed as Barnsley scored a late winner to secure a 2-1 victory at Oakwell. Dion Charles hit the post for Blackpool in the first half, and Josh Bowler equalised shortly after Cameron McGeehan had put the hosts ahead.
Amani Richards headed in the decisive goal for Barnsley in the 87th minute. That result ended Blackpool's unbeaten start and contributed to their current record of two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their goal difference stands at +2 after five matches. The full league standings are available on our standings page.
Attention now turns to the next opportunity to get back to winning ways. Blackpool host Bromley at Bloomfield Road on Saturday, September 12th. Bromley currently sit 21st in the League One table, presenting a chance for the Seasiders to bounce back. The team will look to its attacking players, who have combined for nine goals this term, to find a way past the visitors.
Ian Evatt will be hoping his side can replicate their early-season home form, which included that four-goal thrashing of Peterborough. The upcoming schedule, including this key home fixture, can be found on our fixtures page. The match kicks off at 3pm.
