'Hurt me the most' - Blackpool boss opens up on reaction to criticism

Blackpool claimed a 1-0 victory over Mansfield Town on Tuesday night.

Blackpool boss Ian Evatt states he’s been hurt by the thought that his players don’t care about the football club.

The Seasiders have faced their fair shares of struggles this season, and currently find themselves in a battle at the bottom end of the League One table.

After enjoying an unbeaten December, form has slumped since the turn of the year, with injuries playing their part.

Even with some bodies back available, things hit a new low at the weekend, with the club suffering a 4-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle.

This required an important midweek response from Blackpool, which they delivered with a 1-0 victory over Mansfield Town.

The game saw a vast improvement in performances, as the Seasiders battled hard to pick up a vital three points to make amends.

“The biggest thing that hurt me the most - the questions that we don’t care about this football club; that’s not true, that’s not the case,” Evatt said.

“I love this club very dearly, and the players know how much I love this club. They do as well, and they wanted to regain some professional pride.

“We let ourselves down on Saturday, but football always gives you a second chance and another opportunity, and we’ve taken it.

“We wanted to make sure we actioned the conversations we had post-game, and I saw a group of players that actioned exactly what we expected.

“Long-term it’s not the way we want to win games and dominate games, but sometimes the ugly ones are the best ones. That certainly feels like a huge one.”

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