Exclusive: Blackpool backed to appoint ex-Bolton Wanderers boss to replace Steve Bruce | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie spoke exclusively to Football League World on the situation as to who should take the reins at Blackpool

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has given his verdict on whether Ian Evatt should be on Blackpool's radar to replace the outgoing Steve Bruce as manager.

After a 0-2 defeat at Bloomfield Road to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, that was the nail in the coffin for Steve Bruce's time in the dugout at Blackpool after a below-par start to the season. The Manchester United legend was sacked by the board shortly after the loss and now turn to potential replacements to fire themselves back up the table.

After flirting with the idea of reaching the play-off places last season, hence why expectations were set high prior to a ball being kicked this season, The Tangerines' start to their League One campaign so far has not being what was expected from them, as they sit 23rd in the table, having won just two of their opening 11 matches.

In terms of recruitment this summer, Bruce was given the resources to really excel, but it just hasn't worked out for the 64-year-old who faced the sack last weekend.

With plenty of speculation as to who would fill the void left by the former Newcastle United manager, the Seasiders are still in search for a replacement. Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit, Lee Hendrie has given his verdict on Ian Evatt potentially entering the fray at Bloomfield Road.

Lee Hendrie has his say on Ian Evatt's potential appointment as Blackpool manager

With many names floating about on Blackpool's shortlist of managers to take the reins in Lancashire, unsurprisingly, one man who has been heavily linked with the job is Ian Evatt, who spent time with the Tangerines in his playing days.

With a return to management seeming likely for the 43-year-old, Lee Hendrie believes that Evatt would for sure be a popular figure with the fans.

"Yeah Evo, [Evatt] obviously played at Blackpool (I actually played with him there), he's a really good manager."

"Whether he takes the time to figure out if it's the right jump for him, I know he's obviously looking at getting back into management, he's got to pick and choose wisely, I feel, because he did a great job at Bolton. I always think that the way that they went down, and he had to rebuild and restructure the place."

"I really think he'd be a great replacement, knowing the football club as well."

Ian Evatt's managerial style could suit Blackpool's attacking players

If Evatt were to be appointed as Blackpool's new boss, he would quickly become a popular man at Bloomfield Road if not already, due to having made over 200 appearances for the club in his playing career. The now 43-year-old was a key figure for the Seasiders in their 2010/2011 Premier League season, and will forever be remembered for his long service to the club despite facing relegation that year.

As for his managerial style and what he can bring to the table, Evatt likes to play an attacking brand of football and dominate the ball, which tends to be a winning recipe in League One. With the likes of Niall Ennis and Ashley Fletcher at Blackpool's disposal, you like to think that a manager like Evatt would bring out the best versions of their attacking players, who are yet to start firing on all cylinders this season.

After having proven experience at League One level after a successful spell with Bolton that came to an unfortunate end due to a decline in results, Evatt is well-known for the success he had at his previous club, backed up by leading them to the League One play-off final in 2024.

As Hendrie mentioned, the "rebuild and restructure" that he brought to Bolton didn't go unnoticed, and Blackpool could do with similar treatment at this moment in time.