Blackpool claimed a 1-0 victory over Leyton Orient to mathematically secure their safety in League One.

Ian Evatt is preparing to reflect on his time as Blackpool boss so far over the summer - as he sets his sights on a big push going forward.

The Seasiders legend returned to Bloomfield Road as head coach back in October, having previously enjoyed a successful time as a player in Tangerine.

His time in the dugout has proven to be a mixed bag, with an unbeaten run in December and a strong end to the season coming either side of a huge slump at the start of 2026.

Results at the weekend, including their own 1-0 victory over Leyton Orient, secured Blackpool’s place in League One next season - where they will be looking to fight at the opposite end of the table.

Evatt admits his focus will quickly shift to ensure the Seasiders are ready to attack the 2026/27 campaign.

“I’ll have a lot of time in the summer to reflect on everything that has happened since I’ve been in the building,” he said

“There’s a huge desire from everyone behind the scenes that we are better prepared for next season.

“We have to learn the lessons from what has gone, but also the stuff that has gone right - because some stuff has gone right as well.

“Today, the togetherness is palpable around the whole stadium, and we need that moving forwards. Everyone has a role to play with that.

“I can’t stand here and celebrate staying up because it’s not in my DNA, this football club wants better. How do we get better and what do I need to do? - That’s my focus right now.”

Blackpool’s most recent run has seen them collect 19 points from their last eight games, and perform in a way many expected much earlier in the season.

When asked if there was a feeling of ‘what could’ve been’ if there was more consistency across the entirety of the campaign, Evatt responded: “I’m not thinking about that because we’ve not deserved that in our general performances all season.

“We’ve had really good spells and have shown that we can compete with teams, there’s no doubt about that, but there’s no entitlement in this year - you’ve got to earn it.

“You’ve got to earn every point and that’s where our mindset is for next season.

“There’s a lot of thinking and planning I need to do. I will work extremely hard, and I’m open to everyone’s ideas - I will process them and discuss them to find a way for us to move forwards. We certainly need to move forwards.

“It’s a football club I love and we’re very much together at the moment.”

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