Blackpool boss commends Christmas act of kindness for Ipswich Town trip
Blackpool travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town in the third round of the FA Cup next month.
Blackpool boss Ian Evatt believes a sponsor’s offer to cover coach costs to Ipswich is exactly what the club stands for.
The Seasiders booked their place in the third round of the FA Cup earlier this month with a 4-1 victory over Carlisle United at Bloomfield Road, with the draw gifting them a game away to the Tractor Boys on January 10.
For supporters who were unsure about making the 544 mile round trip to Portman Road, there has been some good news.
Blackpool’s principal front of shirt sponsor TreadTracker have confirmed they will fund coaches to allow fans to make the trip.
Sharing the news on the Seasiders Podcast, the company’s owner Steve Richardson said: “Ian Evatt has brought some positivity back to the club, we can see that we’re going in the right direction and Simon (Sadler) is trying to do everything in the right manner off the pitch, so as supporters we can play a part in bringing that positivity to the club.
“We saw the impact the crowd and the supporters can have at Wigan - I came away from that game saying ‘we’ll do something for Ipswich.’
“I understand finances around Christmas can be difficult and we couldn’t have got a more difficult away tie in terms of distance and cost.
“I want to make sure as a club we have maximum opportunity to win that game, and we’ll only do that if we support the head coach, the club, and get as many fans to Portman Road as possible.”
Evatt responds to act of generosity
Evatt is confident TreadTrackers’ act is representative of something that will bring success back to Bloomfield Road.
“This is what this club is and stands for,” Evatt stated.
“It’s the club that I know and love - that we have this togetherness. What an amazing gesture because financially it’s hard out there. This time of year in particular is challenging for families.
“We’re extremely grateful for the money that our supporters put into this football club and into supporting us.
“What a great thing for TreadTracker to do, and great that people are listening to what I’m saying, and the difference everyone can make. It’s not just about me, Simon (Sadler), David (Downes) or the team; it’s about a collective, and we all have a part to play.
“If we can have a culture of being in it together, then I think we have a great chance of getting this club back to where I believe it belongs.”
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