Promotion winner to under pressure at Reading - How the six ex-Blackpool figures managing in the EFL are faring in their current roles

Blackpool will be led into the 2026/27 campaign by club legend Ian Evatt - with a number of ex-Seasiders figures currently coaching in the EFL.

The retired centre back was a success in Tangerine back in his playing days, representing the club between 2006 and 2013.

Among his 254 outings were the 2007 League One play-off final victory over Yeovil Town and the 2010 Championship play-off win against Cardiff City.

Following Blackpool’s tough start to last season under Steve Bruce, Evatt returned as head coach having previously managed both Barrow and Bolton Wanderers since hanging up his boots in 2018.

While there were ups and downs, the 44-year-old eventually guided the club to survival in the third tier, and ultimately a comfortable 13th place finish.

Last season saw a mixed bag for the other ex-Seasiders currently managing in England’s top four divisions, with six still in position heading into next term.

Here’s where they are:

Richie Wellens

A year ago, Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens was reflecting on a campaign that ended in a play-off final defeat to Charlton Athletic following an impressive run into League One’s top six.

This time around, things weren’t as positive at Brisbane Road, with the O’s’ relegation battle going down to the final day, before ultimately surviving at the expense of Exeter City.

As a player, Wellens was with Blackpool between 2000 and 2005, during which time he won the Third Division play-offs and two EFL Trophies.

Since retiring he’s coached the likes of Swindon Town and Salford City, and has been with Orient since 2022, guiding them to promotion from League Two in his first season in charge.

Micky Mellon

In his playing days, Micky Mellon was with Blackpool between 1994 and 1997, and started his managerial career just down the road with Fleetwood Town in 2008.

The 54-year-old has taken charge of a string of clubs since then, with his current position being with Oldham Athletic.

After making the move to Boundary Park in 2023, Mellon guided the Greater Manchester outfit to National League play-off success last year, before finishing the most recent campaign 10th in League Two.

Ian Holloway

Ian Holloway’s success at Bloomfield Road is certainly well documented, with the 63-year-old guiding the Seasiders to the Premier League in 2010.

Following a period out of the dugout, the Blackpool great returned to work with Swindon Town in 2024.

After enjoying a bright first season, there was disappointment at the County Ground last term after missing out on the play-offs.

Gary Bowyer

In tough circumstances, Gary Bowyer helped the Seasiders to League Two play-off success in 2017, during a period where fans were boycotting against the Oyston ownership.

The 55-year-old is still continuing to defy the odds now with Burton Albion in the third tier.

Since taking over at the Pirelli Stadium at the end of 2024, the ex-Blackpool boss has overseen a great escape and a more comfortable 17th place finish.

Martin Paterson

Martin Paterson was a player at Bloomfield Road just before Bowyer arrived, featuring 19 times for the club during the 2015/16 season.

Since retiring, the former Northern Ireland International has moved into coaching, and guided Notts County to League Two play-off success last month.

Leam Richardson

Leam Richardson is another ex-Blackpool figure who’ll be in League One next season.

The 46-year-old is currently in charge of Reading, having taken over at the Select Car Leasing Stadium back in October.

Despite an initial good run with the Royals, a dip in form saw things turn toxic in Berkshire at the back end of the 2025/26 campaign.

On the final day of the season against Blackpool, there was clear frustration directed towards Richardson - who was at Bloomfield Road as a player between 2003 and 2005.