Blackpool boss explains withdrawal of ex-Barnsley man in Plymouth Argyle defeat

New signing Josh Earl has been among the players to struggle at times for Blackpool in the last few weeks.

The defender has started every game for the Seasiders since his move to Bloomfield Road on a three-year deal from Barnsley at the end of August.

There have been good and bad moments along the way in his first five outings in Tangerine, but his struggles in Saturday afternoon’s 4-2 loss to Plymouth Argyle resulted in a substitution ahead of the hour mark.

Explaining the decision, Blackpool boss Ian Evatt said: “I just thought we were making too many errors, and Josh was part of that. This isn’t about pointing the finger at anyone; it’s just about trying to change things in the game.

“We threw everything we had available at it in the second half to try and gain some momentum and belief.

“We got a little bit with Jerry’s (Yates) goal, but we just gave all that momentum away with another crazy moment.

“At the moment we’re trying to outscore the opposition, but we’re too easy to score against and that needs to change.”

Jordan Brown had given the Seasiders the lead against Plymouth on the half hour mark, before a Oliver Irow brace and one from Harvey White turned the contest around in favour of the visitors.

Jerry Yates was able to pull one back; only for Bim Pepple to re-extend the lead heading into the closing stages.

Blackpool will now have two weekends off from League One action due to international call-ups, which offers Evatt a chance to reflect.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a relief; it’s more of an opportunity,” he added.

“It’s an opportunity to take a look at everything and everybody, and that starts here with me, it always starts with myself and what I’m doing.

“I’ll work really hard to resolve it and fix it, that’s my job. I’m not going to criticise any of the players at all; it’s my job to make them feel confident to get back to where we were just a few weeks ago.”