Evatt: It's Been An Education

When Ian Holloway was appointed manager, there was concern that Ian Evatt could be on his way out of Bloomfield Road given their past history.

Au contraire. Evatt was one of the key players as the Seasiders won promotion to the Premier League last season, and really caught the eye with his stylish performances at centre back.

And Evatt has now credited Ollie for improving his knowledge of the game tenfold and for getting the best out of him.

Speaking to the official website, Evatt said:

'I'm 28 now and last season was my best in football.

'As a defender it's all about experience, positioning and learning the game and I think I'm still doing that and the gaffer has helped no end. Hopefully I'll improve again this year.

'We've been educated in a totally new style of play.

'At previous clubs, in England especially, it's 4-4-2, get it and turn on the defenders, head it and kick it and the rest go and play.

'But this manager now, after his year out of the game, has watched Spain and big clubs like Barcelona and has realised that there is a way of playing that can hurt teams. I think that involves everyone on the pitch, not just out forwards and midfielders. Defenders need to be able to play football as well.

'He showed us that at the start of last season, although we didn't quite believe it would work as well as it did.

'We're still learning. We've come back again after the World Cup and he's showing us new things.

'Hopefully we can prove everybody wrong again this year.'

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