Evatt putting friendship to one side as Whites aim to reach next stage

Ian Evatt shared some of the best moments of his playing career with Charlie Adam – but the pair will be in opposing dugouts tonight when Fleetwood come to town.

The pair were part of the Blackpool squad that won promotion to the Premier League under Ian Holloway in 2009.

The Seasiders punched above their weight against some of the big boys the following season but were eventually relegated by the slimmest of margins on the final day.

Bolton joint-assistant manager Stephen Crainey and goalkeeping coach Matt Gilks were also part of that Blackpool squad, while the likes of Rob Edwards and Stephen Dobbie have remained involved in the game after hanging up their boots.

Evatt is looking forward to catching up with his former team-mate, but his main focus is ensuring that Wanderers book their place in the knockout stage.

“Charlie is part of that Blackpool team which – I don’t know the actual number – but a large majority of that squad has gone onto coach and manage,” he said.

“I think that speaks volume to what that group was like as a team. Charlie has a wealth of knowledge of the game, he is a great guy and someone I have known for a long time.

“I know he will have his team very motivated to come here, perform and try to get through.

"We both have to win to ensure that we go through to the next stage of the competition so I expect a difficult game.

“It will be good to see him, I have not seen him for a few weeks now. It will be good to catch up and hopefully it is a good game.”

Adam took charge at Fleetwood last December but was unable to keep the club in League One.

The Cod Army currently sit 12th in the fourth tier following Saturday's much-needed 1-0 win against Bradford City thanks to Roman Coughlan's early penalty.