Ian Evatt revealed “love” was the secret behind Ashley Fletcher’s recent goal-scoring exploits as the striker’s double helped Blackpool beat National League Carlisle 4-1 in the FA Cup second round.
“He is a top player,” said Pool manager Evatt of Fletcher, whose brace – after 34 and 57 minutes – took his tally to eight goals in nine games and seven since Evatt replaced Steve Bruce as manager.
“All he needed was some clarity on what his role was and some love,” added the former Bolton boss.
“They (players) respond to support and love more than critique and booing. So, all we have done is give him lots of love and lots of support.
“He is a good player and he has shown that since I came in.”
Tom Bloxham opened the scoring for the League One outfit after 14 minutes and Scott Banks added a third before half-time.
Luke Armstrong’s reply gave the Cumbrians a glimmer of hope at 3-1 before Fletcher killed off any thoughts of a comeback.
“The TV cameras were here for a reason and when that happens, the likelihood is they are sniffing an upset,” added Evatt.
“People will say we should win because they are two leagues below. But a lot of their players have played in the EFL and they are winning consistently every week.”
Carlisle boss Mark Hughes said: “Result wise it wasn’t what we were looking for but we had good moments in the game.
“Unfortunately, when we looked to be in the ascendancy they went up the other end and scored a goal too easily on occasions.
“Collectively, we needed to defend better.
“We had a go and it’s no disgrace losing to a team who needed to win this game and went strong in respect of our potential.”
