Blackpool eyeing ex-Bolton Wanderers boss if they sack Steve Bruce | OneFootball

The Tangerines slipped into the relegation places over the weekend

Former Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt is highly rated among the managerial candidates to replace Steve Bruce at Blackpool.

That’s according to Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon on Sunday morning.

The Tangerines have endured a difficult start to their League One campaign, with just four points on the board from six games - a win over Huddersfield Town and a draw with Bolton their only positive results so far.

They slipped into the relegation places without playing a game on international break weekend, with their scheduled fixture against Luton Town postponed due to call-ups in the Hatters’ squad.

Ian Evatt tipped to replace Steve Bruce at Blackpool

Nixon has revealed that Evatt is “high up the list” of replacements for Bruce, should the 64 year old depart Bloomfield Road.

Evatt - a former Tangerines player - is still held in high regard by the Seasiders, and is believed to be a popular choice amongst the club hierarchy.

It follows an ambitious summer transfer window for the club, which saw 13 arrivals including George Honeyman, Michael Ihiekwe, Fraser Horsfall, and Josh Bowler - all players with proven Championship and League One pedigree.

Nixon reports that the Seasiders’ recruitment team and owner Simon Sadler will expect a swift improvement in form.

Steve Bruce under pressure after Blackpool’s dismal start to League One campaign

Blackpool now face a crucial juncture in their season. The summer’s significant recruitment drive was designed to deliver a promotion push, yet after six matches the Seasiders sit in the relegation zone, nine points adrift of the play-off places.

While it remains early in the campaign, the combination of poor results and slow starts for some new signings has placed Bruce under mounting pressure.

The experienced manager retains the backing of the board for now, but patience will inevitably wear thin if performances do not improve.

The availability of Ian Evatt only intensifies the spotlight, with his connection to the club and record at Bolton marking him out as a natural successor.

The next few weeks will prove decisive: a turnaround in results would vindicate Blackpool's summer strategy - particularly the arrivals of Honeyman, Ihiekwe, and Horsfall, who were signed to add experience and leadership - while continued struggles may force Sadler to act.