Ian Evatt has set his sights firmly on Saturday, insisting that a victory would represent a strong beginning to what he hopes will be a productive spell for Blackpool in League One.

The Seasiders boss made his feelings clear in a radio interview with BBC Radio Lancashire, keeping his message simple: win on Saturday and the mood around the club shifts. "If you win, it's been a good start," Evatt said.

Building momentum at Bloomfield Road

It is a straightforward rallying call, but one that carries real weight given the backdrop at Blackpool. Evatt has previously acknowledged that the club's struggles earlier in the campaign were self-inflicted, and there is a clear determination from the manager to draw a line and push forward.

Winning matches in the third tier is rarely straightforward. League One is tight, competitive and unforgiving, and sides that string results together quickly find themselves climbing the table. Evatt knows that better than most. A positive result this weekend would not only bank three points but provide a platform for confidence to grow through the squad.

Blackpool have had injury concerns to manage in recent weeks, with Evatt himself welcoming a break in fixtures to allow players to recover. Getting bodies back and fit ahead of a run of games is the kind of marginal gain that can shape a season in a division where squad depth matters enormously.

Focus on the process

The Blackpool manager has repeatedly stressed the importance of his side performing to their identity. After reflecting that his players "weren't themselves" in recent outings, the emphasis heading into Saturday is clearly on recapturing what makes this team effective: high energy, pressing from the front and competing for every second ball.

Those characteristics were highlighted by Bryan Peacock-Farrell when he described Blackpool as "a high energy team," and it is that image Evatt wants to project again on matchday. When Blackpool are at their best, they are difficult to play against and hard to live with physically. Getting back to that standard is the priority.

Results have not always reflected the quality Evatt believes his squad possesses. The draw at home to Bromley in the EFL Trophy came and went, but it is League One points that define a season at this level, and those are the moments Evatt is preparing his players for.

What Saturday means

For supporters who have been patient through a patchy stretch, a win on Saturday would provide genuine lift. Bloomfield Road can be a formidable venue when the team and crowd feed off each other, and Evatt will be hoping his side give the fans something to roar about.

The message from the dugout is focused and uncomplicated. Turn up, play the Blackpool way and get the three points. In a division that rewards consistency above everything else, it starts this weekend.

Frequently asked

What did Ian Evatt say about Blackpool's next match?
Evatt said that winning on Saturday would represent a good start, keeping his message simple and focused on the immediate task for Blackpool in League One.
How are Blackpool doing in League One this season?
Blackpool have had a mixed spell, with manager Ian Evatt acknowledging that some of the club's struggles have been self-inflicted, though he remains determined to turn form around.
Who is the Blackpool manager?
Ian Evatt is the Blackpool manager, leading the club in League One.