League One Sack Race: Ian Evatt Next to Follow Ryan Lowe’s Path After Blackpool Latest

Blackpool's managerial crisis deepens in the 2025/26 League One season, with recent developments thrusting former Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt into the spotlight as the frontrunner to replace sacked manager Steve Bruce. Blackpool, languishing in 23rd place after just two wins and eight losses in their first 11 league games, parted ways with Bruce following a 2-0 home defeat to AFC Wimbledon. The club has since struggled under interim boss Stephen Dobbie, drawing with Wickham and losing to Stockport County in the 17 days post-sacking.[1][2][3][5]

Evatt, a 43-year-old former Blackpool defender who played over 250 games for the Seasiders between 2006 and 2013, is reportedly excited about returning to Bloomfield Road. Club officials have been impressed by his vision for turning around the team's fortunes, with sources indicating terms are being finalized for a swift appointment. His deep affinity with Blackpool, combined with his availability after a five-year stint at Bolton (2020-2025) that included promotion but ended amid fan tensions, makes him a strong candidate.[1][2][5]

The article draws parallels to Ryan Lowe's path, implying Evatt could follow a similar trajectory of success after a Bolton exit—Lowe previously managed there before moving on. Betting odds list Evatt as the favorite at 8/13 to become Blackpool's next permanent manager, ahead of other contenders.[5][7] His managerial CV includes caretaker roles at Chesterfield (2018), a successful spell at Barrow (2018-2020), and Bolton, where he achieved promotion from League Two but faced mounting pressure.[2][3]

Blackpool's woes mirror broader League One sack race dynamics, with the club inheriting a squad expected to challenge for promotion under Bruce but now rooted near the bottom. An upcoming clash with Bolton in February adds intrigue if Evatt takes charge. Pundits tip him to improve matters, citing his passion and rebuilding experience, though fan buy-in remains key after past disastrous appointments like Mick McCarthy and Neil Critchley.[3][4]

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