Blackpool enjoyed an impressive December - but Ian Evatt has missed out on the manager of the month award.

Blackpool boss Ian Evatt has missed out on the manager of the month award for December.

Since taking over at Bloomfield Road at the end of October, the former Seasiders defender has been able to guide the club out of the third tier’s bottom four.

While his short tenure has seen both highs and lows so far, the image of how he wants his side to play has been clear.

A major part of Blackpool’s movement up the League One ladder was the club’s form throughout the festive month.

In five games, the Seasiders were able to pick up 13 points, with their dropped two coming in a 2-2 draw with Lincoln City - in which they were forced to come from behind to secure something.

Other results included two wins over Rotherham United, a victory away to Wigan Athletic, and the end of a Boxing Day curse, that had haunted the club since 2016, against Doncaster Rovers.

Michael Skubala (Lincoln City) and Luke Williams (Peterborough United) both had identical records to Evatt in terms of points throughout December, but it’s Cardiff City’s Brian Barry-Murphy who has edged out the trio to be named manager of the month.

The Bluebirds played six times last month, and were able to pick up 15 points, as they entered 2026 top of the League One table.

Cardiff closing in on ex-Blackpool figure

By the time Blackpool travel to South Wales to take on Cardiff on March 21, they could be up against a familiar face.

Earlier this week, it was reported ex-Seasiders loanee Harry Tyrer could be set to make a permanent move to the Welsh capital ahead of the conclusion of his contract with Everton in the summer.

The Bluebirds are currently under transfer embargo, but there’s expectation that will be lifted, which will allow the deal to go ahead.

Tyrer arrived at Bloomfield Road in August 2024, as a replacement for Dan Grimshaw, but had no prior experience of EFL football, having previously spent time with Chester and Chesterfield in non-league.

This was reflected in the 24-year-old’s shaky start to life on the Fylde Coast - which saw him lose his spot to back-up keeper Richard O’Donnell at one stage.

Tyrer was ultimately able to improve, and finished the campaign with 12 clean sheets in 38 League One appearances.

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