'Big ask' - Ex-Sunderland and Burnley figure makes Blackpool prediction after mixed start
Blackpool have endured a mixed start to the 2026/27 season - with form dipping ahead of the international break.
Former Scotland international Phil Bardsley believes it’ll be a ‘big ask’ for Blackpool to battle for promotion due to the quality in League One.
The Seasiders have endured a mixed start to the 2026/27 campaign, with form taking a major slump ahead of the current international break.
After starting the season with seven points from their opening three games, Ian Evatt’s side have gone winless in their last five outings in all competitions.
Bardsley, who played for the likes of Sunderland and Burnley during his playing career, has been sharing his thoughts on the Fylde Coast outfit’s fortunes, and the challenge they face in the third tier.
“Blackpool, they're a massive club and they're certainly a match in that division,” he told Lyllo Casino.
“There's some big clubs in that division, there really is, and they've had an okay start.
“I don't think they've been amazing, I don't think they've been terrible, but obviously middle of the pack.
“He'll (Ian Evatt) be looking to build on that. He looks like an ambitious coach who is demanding on his team, and he'll be looking to get into the play-offs and have a right push.
“It's so competitive, that league, and Blackpool are a massive team. So it'll be a big ask, but that's what we were in football for, the challenges, trying to improve, and trying to win silverware. That's what they'll be trying to do.”