'Huge credit' - Ian Evatt issues big praise for ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan Athletic man in role behind Blackpool FC survival

Blackpool boss Ian Evatt has picked out Ashley Fletcher for praise following the striker’s impressive season in front of goal.

The forward made the move to Bloomfield Road in 2024 on the back of difficult spells with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan Athletic, but has found a home on the Fylde Coast.

While the 30-year-old hasn’t started for the Seasiders in the last few weeks as they secured their League One status, he certainly played a big part in setting them up for safety.

Throughout the campaign, the Manchester United product has bagged 21 goals in total in all competitions, with some of his contributions coming during Blackpool’s toughest periods.

With Tom Bloxham as his strike partner, Fletcher had a key role to play due to other attacking options being injured for large periods, with the pair featuring 42 times each in the league.

Niall Ennis and Dale Taylor have been able to contribute more in recent times, but Evatt hasn’t forgotten about the duo that played an important part for so long.

“I’m so happy I’ve got the four of them, but I have to give huge credit to Fletch - who has scored 21 goals in really difficult circumstances with where we were and how we were performing,” he said.

“He’s carried the team a lot with his goal. And, there’s Blocko, who wasn’t a natural striker when I got him. For many weeks all we had was those two, and they didn’t miss a beat.

“They didn’t miss a day’s training or a minute in game - when this club needed them two to step up, they really did.”

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