'We must remember' - Blackpool boss shares plan for young forward following increase in options
Tom Bloxham was among the players to have an impact off the bench in Blackpool’s 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers last weekend.
Ian Evatt states Blackpool will continue to take the necessary steps to help Tom Bloxham in his development at the club.
The 22-year-old made the move to Bloomfield Road from Shrewsbury Town last January, penning a three-and-a-half year deal with the Seasiders - with his terms including an option for an additional 12 months.
Despite being signed as a winger, the majority of Bloxham's football in Tangerine has come up front.
This has predominantly been the case since Ian Evatt’s appointment as Blackpool head coach back in October.
With several players missing through injury, Bloxham was utilised as Ashley Fletcher’s only strike partner for an extended period of time in the run up to Christmas.
Since the turn of the year, the youngster’s game time has been more limited, with both Michael Obafemi and Niall Ennis getting runs in the starting XI.
Blackpool boss discusses Bloxham development
Evatt admits Bloxham is still at the forefront of his plans, with the forward being among those to have a positive impact off the bench in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
“He’s a fabulous kid - he’s a really funny lad,” the Seasiders head coach said.
“He was thrown in at the deep end and was being taught a new position. He did brilliantly for us. Just because I’ve decided to put Niall (Ennis) in now, that doesn’t mean to say his role is from the bench.
“He’s pushing. He was excellent on Saturday when he came on. That’s the role of what I call the finishers.
“The ones who aren’t starting the game have a role to play, they come on to get us over the line. That’s how I see it; that’s how football is nowadays.
“He’s learning all the time. From where he was before I came, and how much football he played, to deal with the volume he has, he’s going to have dips.
“He’s still a young player, we must remember that. He’s physically good, but he needs time to learn, develop and grow. Maybe sometimes, coming out of the team is the best way to do that, he’s refreshing and resetting.”
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