Blackpool boss misses out on monthly award as decision is made in competition with Lincoln City and Cardiff City figures

Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt has missed out on April’s manager of the month despite overseeing a complete turnaround in form to secure League One survival at Bloomfield Road.

By mid-March, the Seasiders were firmly in the third tier’s relegation battle, and looked short of the confidence required to get themselves out of trouble.

Something eventually clicked for the Fylde Coast outfit, as they recorded 22 points from their final nine games to finish 13th in the ladder - 11 points above the bottom four.

A strong April was at the heart of this, with Evatt’s side winning four of their five games throughout the month.

Defensive stability was at the heart of this, shipping just two goals during that period and claiming three 1-0 victories.

Following impressive displays from their own sides, Cardiff City’s Brian Barry-Murphy and Luton Town’s Jack Wilshere were also up for manager of the month in League One, but the accolade has ultimately gone to Michael Skubala at Lincoln City.

The 43-year-old enjoyed an impressive season all round with the Imps, as they finished the campaign with 103 points under their belts and an unbeaten record stretching back to November.

Throughout April, the title-winners won five of their six games, and drew the other, as they secured the top spot.

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