When Ian Evatt stepped into the manager’s office at Blackpool FC on October 21, 2025, he didn’t just inherit a team — he inherited a moment. The 43-year-old former captain, fired from his previous post at Barnsley just months earlier, was handed a three-year contract to replace Steve Bruce, whose 61-game tenure ended with a dismal 34.4% win rate. But Evatt’s first major test isn’t in League One. It’s in the Emirates FA Cup, where Blackpool hosts Scunthorpe United at Bloomfield Road on November 1–2, 2025. And for Evatt, this isn’t just another cup tie. It’s a psychological turning point.
Why the FA Cup Matters More Than League Points Right Now
Blackpool’s 2025–26 season is their 117th in existence — and their third straight in League One. The club hasn’t reached the Premier League since 2010. Promotion feels distant. But in the FA Cup? Anything can happen. Evatt knows this. He’s seen it before: non-league teams knocking out giants, lower-league sides riding momentum to unexpected glory. "It’s important for winning to become a habit," he told reporters after training last week. "Not just in the cup. But in everything. Training. Travel. Recovery. The way we talk to each other."
That’s not just motivational fluff. It’s strategy. Blackpool’s last FA Cup win came in 2021 — a 2–1 upset over League Two side Salford City. Since then, they’ve been eliminated in the first round twice. Evatt’s message is clear: winning isn’t just about talent. It’s about belief. And the FA Cup, with its unpredictable draws and packed stands, is the perfect stage to rebuild that.
The Ghosts of Coventry and the Weight of History
Evatt didn’t mention Coventry City when he spoke about winning habits. But anyone who’s followed Blackpool for decades knows why they did. The two clubs have clashed 16 times in competitive matches since the 1980s. Blackpool won six, Coventry five, and five ended in draws. Those games weren’t just fixtures — they were emotional barometers. A win over Coventry meant pride. A loss? A wound that lingered. The rivalry faded as Coventry dropped into the Championship and then League One, but the memory? Still alive.
"You walk through the stands here," Evatt said, gesturing toward the old Kop end at Bloomfield Road, "and you see photos of ’53, ’71, ’98 — all FA Cup runs. People don’t remember when we finished 14th in League One. They remember when we beat Arsenal at home."
That’s the power of the FA Cup. It doesn’t care about league position. It cares about heart. And for a club like Blackpool — where the average attendance still hovers around 9,200 despite being in the third tier — those moments are currency.
The Numbers Behind the Moment
Blackpool’s pre-season didn’t offer much cause for optimism. Three friendlies: a 3–0 win over Fleetwood Town, a 2–1 win over West Brom, and two draws — one with Salford, another with Doncaster. Not exactly a statement. But cup football changes dynamics. Players who’ve been on the bench suddenly get starts. Youngsters from the Academy — like 18-year-old striker Jordan Tait, who scored twice in the reserve league last month — get their shot.
Scunthorpe United, meanwhile, sit 16th in League One. They’ve lost three of their last five. But they’re dangerous on the counter. Their manager, Neil Cox, is a former Blackpool player. He knows the pressure of this ground. He knows what a win here could mean for his own team’s survival hopes.
And then there’s the money. While exact figures for the 2025–26 men’s FA Cup haven’t been released, last year’s first-round winners took home £50,000. Second-round winners? £75,000. Reach the third round? £110,000. That’s not just prize money — it’s survival cash for a club operating on a £7 million annual budget.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Pitch
Simon Sadler, Blackpool’s owner, doesn’t just watch from his office at Bloomfield Road. He’s invested in the club’s long-term future — including the Community Trust, which runs youth programs and disability football initiatives. A deep FA Cup run means more than ticket sales. It means media exposure. Sponsorship interest. Local pride.
"We’ve got the Matthews Experience, the 1953 Experience, the Mahou Hospitality packages," said a club spokesperson. "But what we really need is a reason for people to come back. A reason to believe again."
That’s why Evatt isn’t just talking tactics. He’s talking legacy. He’s talking about what happens when a team stops accepting mediocrity. A win over Scunthorpe wouldn’t just mean a second-round tie. It would mean a shift in culture. A signal to the fans, the players, the academy kids watching from the stands: winning is possible here.
What’s Next?
If Blackpool advances, they could face a Championship side in the second round — perhaps Sheffield Wednesday or Nottingham Forest. A third-round draw could mean a Premier League team at Bloomfield Road. Imagine that: a packed stadium, national TV, a 16-year-old kid from Fleetwood scoring the winner.
Evatt knows it’s a long shot. But he also knows this: in the FA Cup, long shots win more often than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ian Evatt focusing so much on the FA Cup instead of League One?
Evatt sees the FA Cup as a psychological reset. Blackpool’s win rate in League One has been under 35% under Bruce, and morale is low. A cup win — especially at home — can spark confidence that translates to league play. Plus, the £50,000+ prize money is critical for a club with a £7 million budget. The FA Cup offers a faster path to momentum than grinding out draws in League One.
How does Blackpool’s history with Coventry City relate to this FA Cup match?
Though Blackpool faces Scunthorpe United, the club’s 16 competitive matches against Coventry City — with six wins, five losses, and five draws — represent a deeper emotional legacy. Those games were often high-stakes, emotionally charged, and televised. For older fans, they symbolize when Blackpool competed with bigger clubs. Evatt uses those memories to remind players that this club has punched above its weight before — and can again.
What impact could a FA Cup run have on Blackpool’s finances?
A third-round appearance could bring in over £110,000 in prize money, plus ticket sales, hospitality upgrades, and sponsorships. Last season, Blackpool’s FA Cup run generated £320,000 in additional revenue — nearly 5% of their annual budget. For a club that lost £1.2 million last year, that’s transformative. It could fund academy upgrades or even a new training facility.
Who are the key players to watch in the Scunthorpe United match?
Midfielder Liam Hearn, 28, has been Blackpool’s most consistent performer this season, with 4 goals and 3 assists in League One. On the wings, 21-year-old winger Aron D’Silva has shown pace and flair in pre-season. For Scunthorpe, striker Tom Hopper — who scored 14 goals last season — is their main threat. But the real X-factor might be Blackpool’s 18-year-old academy striker Jordan Tait, who could start if Evatt opts for youth.
What’s the history of Blackpool FC in the FA Cup?
Blackpool’s greatest FA Cup moment came in 1953, when they beat Bolton Wanderers 2–1 in the final — the famous "Matthews Final," named after Stanley Matthews. They also reached the final in 1948 and 1951. Their last FA Cup win was in 2021 against Salford City. Since then, they’ve exited in the first round twice. A deep run this season would be their best since 2014, when they reached the quarterfinals.
How can fans get tickets for the Scunthorpe United match?
Tickets went on sale on October 15, 2025, via blackpoolfc.co.uk. General admission starts at £22, with premium seating in the Matthews Experience package at £45. The club has also released a fan guide detailing transport options, parking, and hospitality upgrades, including the 1953 Experience — a themed dinner with retired players — and the Mahou Experience, featuring Spanish-inspired food and live music. All packages sold out within 48 hours, showing renewed fan interest.
