Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt has urged patience with Dale Taylor as the £1m summer signing continues his return from injury, admitting there is excitement behind the scenes but acknowledging the need for care as the striker builds momentum.
Taylor made his comeback at the weekend, coming off the bench in the 2-2 draw with us, his first involvement after more than two months out with a serious hamstring injury. It was also the first time the forward has featured under Evatt, who was appointed shortly after Taylor’s setback in October.
The 22-year-old has scored once in 12 appearances since arriving at Bloomfield Road, a return that has prompted scrutiny given the size of the fee involved. Evatt, however, believes the striker’s intelligence and movement will come to the fore once he is fully sharp.
“I think he’s a really intelligent player,” Evatt said ahead of Blackpool’s trip to Wigan Athletic.
“I think he’ll take on the information we’re giving him really well. I think he’s sharp, I think he’s sharp in the mind as well as physically.
“He knows where the goal is, he knows how to use his body even though he’s slight of stature and he can wriggle and roll out of pressure really well.”
Taylor’s return comes during a congested festive period, with Blackpool welcoming back several players from long-term injury. Evatt admitted that balancing fitness and results remains a challenge, particularly with points at a premium.
“I’m looking forward to working with him. The signs I’ve been getting on the training pitch are really exciting, as are with all of them.
“Albie just returned as well and the things he’s been doing are really exciting as well.
“I think we’re getting stronger and we’re getting better and we have to sustain and maintain that over this busy festive period.”
With Taylor now back in the mix and a reunion at Wigan on the horizon, Evatt is hopeful the striker’s League One pedigree will soon translate into goals, provided Blackpool give him the time and space to rediscover his rhythm.
“It’s difficult for those guys at the moment because we are trying to get them fit, sharp and ready again in matchday scenarios where you need to get points. And we need to pick up points.
“It’s a little bit of patience and caution with these guys because we know what they can do, but it’s going to take them a little while to get there.”
Will it make a difference?
Taylor’s return is more good news for Blackpool, who will be well clear of the bottom four come May. With Niall Ennis also out, their striking options were depleted, but they still pose a huge threat. Ashley Fletcher won’t carry the burden all season, but he’s shone since Evatt arrived.
The Seasiders might be struggling now, but rest assured, when they visit the Bank later in the season, they’re more likely to be counting the gap between them and sixth than between them and 21st.
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