Ian Evatt tipped to improve Blackpool if he replaces Steve Bruce - one issue could work against him | OneFootball

FLW's Bolton fan pundit has given his verdict on Ian Evatt potentially taking charge at Blackpool

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Ian Evatt has emerged as one of the bookmakers' favourites to replace Steve Bruce as Blackpool manager.

The ex-Bolton Wanderers boss is currently out of work after his departure from the Whites earlier this year.

He previously led the team to the play-offs, as well as promotion from League Two, before a difficult campaign led to his departure.

Bruce was given his marching orders after a 2-0 loss to AFC Wimbledon last weekend, which has left the team sitting 23rd in the third division table.

Evatt also spent six years at Bloomfield Road as a player, including competing in the Premier League with the club, which adds another layer to any interest in him becoming the next manager.

Ian Evatt must learn from Bolton mistakes

When asked about Evatt potentially taking over at Blackpool, FLW’s Bolton fan pundit Liam O’Meara claimed that Evatt could be a great appointment as long as he’s learned from his previous mistakes.

He highlighted the 43-year-old’s possession-based style of play, suggesting it became too predictable by the end of his time with the Whites, and that he must learn from that with his next role.

“Ian Evatt did a very good job at Bolton Wanderers,” O’Meara told Football League World.

“You know exactly what you’re going to get with Evatt in terms of style of play.

“It is possession-based, attacking football.

“With that, with Bolton, the problem we had is we did become predictable, particularly as we spent more and more time in League One.

“Teams had experience of how to play against us and we became susceptible to a press.

“I’d like to think that Ian Evatt has learned from that experience, some of the philosophies that he had were non-negotiable.

“I like to think he’s learned from that lesson, and I know he’s well regarded at Blackpool, he knows that club really well.”

Blackpool issued Ian Evatt warning

O’Meara has also warned Blackpool that Evatt could take some time to figure out how to get the players competing in his preferred style of play, which they may not be able to afford at this stage.

“I think it could be a very good appointment for them,” he added.

“It may take a little bit of time for that style to adapt though.

“Bolton did have sluggish starts most seasons as new players became familiar with the system, so it may take 12 months before they see the real benefit of it.

“But I think it could work.”

Blackpool have earned just eight points from their opening 11 games of the new League One season, leaving them second from bottom in the table following Bruce’s exit.

Next up for the Seasiders is a trip to face Stockport County on 11 October in a 3pm kick-off.

Ian Evatt would be an upgrade on Steve Bruce

Evatt did a good job with Bolton that just fell flat by the end, so he would be a good appointment for many League One sides.

Bruce is well past his prime as a coach, and moving on from him after this disastrous start to the season makes sense.

If Evatt is willing to come back to the club, then taking a risk on his style of play, and how slow it might take for things to click, could be worthwhile.

It’s still early in the season, and there is plenty of time for things to turn around under a new manager, so this could be a smart move for the club.