Blackpool have confirmed the appointment of Ian Evatt as their new head coach on a deal until June 2028.
Evatt has been out of work since his Wanderers exit in January after four-and-a-half years with the Whites.
He returns to Bloomfield Road, where he made more than 250 appearances as a player including a season in the Premier League.
Stephen Crainey, who had a spell in Evatt's backroom staff at Bolton, joins the new-look coaching set-up alongside Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks.
“It’s incredibly emotional to return here and to be given this opportunity," Evatt told the club site.
“I know first-hand what this club and its supporters can achieve together. We all want to see fearless attacking football where Bloomfield Road is a really tough place for any team to play.
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“It’s a real honour to be back here as head coach and I cannot wait to meet the players and to get started.”
Evatt's first game in charge is a trip to London Road to take on Peterborough United this weekend.
Blackpool find themselves bottom of the table, having won two of their opening 13 games. Posh are second-bottom and a point above at this stage.
Owner Simon Sadler added: “I’m delighted to welcome Ian back to the football club, in what is a vital appointment.
“His impressive managerial record at this level, strong technical knowledge of the game alongside a passion and enthusiasm to return to the club makes him the ideal fit.
“While it has clearly not been the start to the season that any of us have wanted, I am now hopeful that results and performances will start to turn in our favour as we look to climb the table.”
Evatt is now set to return to the Toughsheet Stadium on February 21 when Blackpool make the short trip.
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