Blackpool boss makes recruitment admission after big impact from ex-Nottingham Forest man in Wigan Athletic win
Blackpool’s final away outing of 2025 ended with a 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium.
Dale Taylor provided an impressive impact off the bench in Blackpool’s 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.
The striker was introduced off the bench after 57 minutes, alongside Albie Morgan, and quickly picked up both an assist and a goal.
Since making the move to Bloomfield Road from Nottingham Forest in the summer, things haven’t been straightforward for the 22-year-old.
After being unable to find his form in his first couple of months in Tangerine, he was then hit with a spell on the sidelines through a hamstring injury.
He initially made his return to action in the Seasiders’ recent 2-2 draw with Lincoln City, but truly reintroduced himself against Wigan - whom he spent last season on loan with.
For the opener, he won back the ball for Ian Evatt’s side, before putting the ball on a plate for Ashley Fletcher, while for the second, his teammate repaid the favour, with a clever flick creating space in the box.
“I just know he’s going to suit what I want to do,” the Blackpool head coach said.
“That bit of recruitment is excellent because he’s a top player and we’re very lucky to have him. We just need to keep him in one piece and keep him fit.
“He was fantastic, him and Albie are two top players, I’m delighted to have them back because injuries just keep on coming.
“We have to keep getting everyone fit and available where we can. Having your best players available: Dale is a player we’ve invested heavily in, Albie is a top player, Danny Imray being back has given us some balance.
“The players are in a good space and we’ll enjoy today then focus on Boxing Day. We want a squad that’s fit, available and healthy so we can keep everyone fresh and keep rotating to do the things we need to do to keep the energy up in games.”
Successful subs
Evatt admits there was a conversation at half time between the coaching staff over which substitutes would have the clearest impact on the game.
“I do a lot of the preparation during the week and then it’s over to the players to go out there and execute and perform,” he added.
“If I can help the players during the game with my substitutions or making decisions at the right time, that’s part of my responsibility.
“Me and my staff spoke at length at half time about what the changes might look like, and I thought we got them right, but the players still need to go on and do what they did - they executed exactly what we asked them to do.
“Did we ride our luck at times? - Yes. Did they have some chances? - Yes, but we’re away from home so that’s going to happen.
“What’s pleasing to me is, we’re becoming comfortable with and without the ball, and that gives us different opportunities. Sometimes it might work out as we planned during the week or we have to shift during the game.
“The players are taking that on board to execute different things. We’ve got to have two strings to our bow.”
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