WANDERERS boss Ian Evatt has been named as the bookies' favourite for the vacant Blackpool job.

The Seasiders find themselves without a manager after Neil Critchley opted to join Aston Villa to become Steven Gerrard’s assistant head coach.

Critchley received praise for the job he did at Bloomfield Road, guiding the club to a respectable 16th-placed finish in their first season back in the Championship.

A club statement read: “Neil has been a consummate professional ever since arriving at Blackpool and really bought into what this club and town are all about.

“He has built up strong relationships with the staff, players and supporters and made some special memories for us all.

“Naturally, we are disappointed to lose him, but thank him for all that he has achieved during his time at Bloomfield Road and wish him well in the Premier League with Aston Villa.

“Our primary focus now turns to succession planning and making the best possible appointment to continue taking this great club of ours forward.”

Evatt spent seven years at Blackpool as a player and was part of the side that won promotion to the Premier League under Ian Holloway back in 2010.

The Bolton boss is priced at 5/2 to takeover at Bloomfield Road at the time of writing, according to SkyBet's odds.

Simon Grayson (7/2), Stockport boss Dave Challinor (7/1) and Oxford gaffer Karl Robinson (7/1) also rank highly.

Michael Appleton, Liam Manning, Michael Duff, Gareth Ainsworth and Leam Richardson are also in the mix.

Speaking earlier this year, Evatt said: “It is the nature of the beast that when managers are successful - and I have had success while I am young in management terms – or if the way you play is considered attractive that you get linked to other things.

“But I am not interested in other jobs, this is my job and what I want to do.”

You can follow the Bolton News on social media by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription