Ex-Blackpool coach shares what's worrying him about Ian Evatt's side after Bradford City defeat
Blackpool were defeated 2-1 by Bradford City at Bloomfield Road on Sunday.
Former Blackpool coach Steve Thompson has been concerned by the re-emergence of the Seasiders’ injury concerns.
There’s been problems in terms of fit personnel throughout the season so far at Bloomfield Road, initially under Steve Bruce and now current head coach Ian Evatt.
This has hindered both managers at various times, with both facing difficulties in playing their ideal system.
Evatt had guided the club to an unbeaten December in League One after overcoming the initial problems he faced upon his arrival at the end of October, but has seen his side slump to back-to-back defeats at the start of 2026 after a hit to his options once again.
Hayden Coulson and Dale Taylor both picked up new injuries last month, while Fraser Horsfall has now been hit with an eight-week stint on the sidelines due to a hamstring issue, with others also absent.
James Husband was also among those missing in Blackpool’s 2-1 defeat to Bradford City at the weekend, after an appeal against his sending off on New Year’s Day away to Port Vale was unsuccessful.
Thompson shares views
Thompson has been left alarmed by the way the Seasiders have been hit by a shortage of players in several periods this season.
The 61-year-old, who has had his fair share of spells on the Fylde Coast, was on commentary duty for BBC Radio Lancashire on Sunday afternoon.
“Blackpool have got a lot of players out - this is where they need backing up in this January window,” he told the broadcaster.
“Niall Ennis, Hayden Coulson, Michael Ihiekwe, Fraser Horsfall, Dale Taylor, James Husband - who’s out for three games with his controversial red card.
“It’s disappointing that Olly’s (Casey) mistake got Bradford into the game. I’m not saying Blackpool would’ve gone on to win the game, but when Ashley Fletcher made it 1-1, Bloomfield Road started to get behind the team. It’s disappointing but they’ve got to go again.
“The thing that worries me is that these injuries keep mounting up. When you see players going down holding their ankles and holding their knees, you think it could be another injury.
“They’re still out of that relegation zone, and have games coming up - some important ones.
“For me, they’ve got to get this injury list sorted out because it’s costing them.”
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