Blackpool boss 'won't be told otherwise' on key performer's role after impressive Stockport County display

Blackpool boss Ian Evatt has dismissed any talk of Tom Bloxham not being a striker.

The 22-year-old initially joined the Seasiders as a winger at the beginning of 2025, but the majority of his football in Tangerine has come up front.

Under Evatt in particular, this has been a necessity due to the number of injuries in the attacking department over the past nine months.

In Blackpool’s 2-1 victory away to Stockport County on Saturday afternoon, Bloxham showed the natural instincts of a striker to open the scoring with a calm finish in the first half, with Josh Bowler doubling the lead before the break.

“I won’t have anyone tell me otherwise - that he’s not a striker,” Evatt said.

“That was predatory with the movement in behind and then a really good finish. He has that in his locker. He’s a good finisher, and a good crosser of the ball.

“I think he’s matured so much since I’ve been here. We always felt like he was a player that is developing because of his age. People forget his age because he looks a lot older than 22, but he’s developing, improving and progressing all of the time and I’m really pleased he’s our player.”

The game at Edgeley Park was Bloxham’s first time starting up front alongside Huddersfield Town loanee Dion Charles.

After being introduced off the bench against Wycombe Wanderers seven days prior, the pair were deemed ready for more substantial minutes after missing a parts of pre-season due to injury.

“They’re not fit yet, and they’re getting tired too quickly for my liking,” he added.

“Dion (Charles) is still feeling his foot a little bit.

“Last week, we missed them. The lads who did a job up there for us were excellent, but out and out goalscorers, runners and predators can do that. In this game, it was important that we had speed in behind because they’re so aggressive with their press; we knew once we stole the ball we had to play quickly into the spaces they leave behind.”