New Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt has admitted he is fulfilling one of his life goals by returning to the club in which he spent the majority of his playing days.
The 43-year-old was announced as Steve Bruce’s successor earlier this week. He has been linked with a number of roles since departing Bolton Wanderers in January but he seemingly became the frontrunner for this position almost as soon as it became available.
Evatt joined the Seasiders in 2006 on loan before making the move permanent six months later. It was during his debut season that he helped the club earn promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs.
Having become a mainstay in the heart of the defence, the centre-back was pivotal in securing a place in the Premier League in 2010 after another play-off success. He then played every game during their solitary season in the top flight.
Evatt Arrives With Managerial Pedigree
Evatt departed Bloomfield Road in 2013 as the club’s longest serving player. Upon retiring in 2018, he took his first managerial role at National League outfit Barrow.
𝗢𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗜𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬… ⏮️
We were finally announced as the National League Champions! 🥳#WeAreBarrow pic.twitter.com/kvIBEYz8rk
— Barrow AFC (@BarrowAFC) June 17, 2025
A four-and-a-half year spell followed, which saw the Trotters earn promotion from League Two and win the EFL Trophy, as well as defeat in the League One play-off final in 2024.
“Can’t Stop Smiling”
Evatt takes over Blackpool with the Tangerines bottom of League One and looking as if they have a real fight to remain in the division. The club legend knows the scale of the task at hand though, telling reporters:
“It’s taken some time to bed in. I’ve always felt some sort of destiny to me having this role. I take no pride in what’s been happening this season, and I never like to see coaches lose their jobs.
“There has to be ownership across the board for that – it’s not just down to the staff. I have a huge amount of respect for Steve (Bruce). He’s an incredible man and an incredible manager who has had a fantastic career.
“We have to make the players understand that being where we are right now isn’t acceptable.
“It’s my job to turn this around and give them the confidence to start improving performances, and in turn improving results.”
Media day! 🎥
Ian Evatt is speaking to local media today following his appointment as Head Coach.
🍊 #UTMP pic.twitter.com/Vr7UTkXp5a
— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) October 22, 2025
“I always felt like I was going to return at some point. As a coach, this job has been available a few times, and I’ve been linked with it a few times.
“I always felt like I was ready, but in hindsight I wasn’t. The coach I am now is much better and completely different to the one I was last year, let alone four, five, six years ago.
“I feel like I’m ready for it now, and I can give what it deserves – hopefully we’ll be sitting here in years to come because I want to be here for a long time and create something really special.
“This is one of my life goals, and that’s why I can’t stop smiling. I didn’t want this job on emotion, I wanted it on merit – I wanted to be the best guy out there for this football club, and I believe that I am.”
Writer’s View
This is a degree of romance to Ian Evatt’s return to Blackpool but we have seen in the past in similar scenarios that there often isn’t a fairytale ending. However, this is one that should.
The pair are a match made in heaven and his availability looks to have come at just the right time. With bags of experience at this level, he will galvanise the club and will have the backing of the supporters from the off. It’s also likely that there will be patience if things don’t click immediately. Expect Evatt to claw Blackpool away from danger in the coming weeks.
