Evatt highlights academy pathway at Blackpool
Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt has emphasised the importance of developing academy talent, praising young players gaining experience away from the club, via the Blackpool Gazette.
Teenage midfielder Theo Upton recently grabbed headlines after scoring a hat-trick for Matlock Town in a 7-2 win over Newton Aycliffe during his loan spell.
The 17-year-old only joined the Gladiators last month but has already demonstrated the potential that convinced the Seasiders to offer him first-team exposure earlier in the season.
Evatt believes these experiences are vital in helping the club’s young players develop into future contributors.
“I’m delighted. Since I’ve come, we’ve tried to make a difference with the young players by giving them some exposure to the first-team. They’ve impressed me. I think it’s really important that we develop our own here.”
The Blackpool boss also singled out Upton and Oluchi Nwankwo for praise as examples of players making the most of opportunities.
“Theo and Oluchi in particular have been outstanding since they’ve been with me and it’s great to see them going elsewhere, showing what they can do.”
For clubs across League One, a productive academy pathway can often provide crucial depth as the fixture schedule intensifies and injuries begin to take their toll.