Blackpool defender Ian Evatt has warned Newcastle ahead of Saturday's clash at St James' Park.
Blackpool defender looking forward to Magpies meeting
Blackpool defender Ian Evatt has warned Newcastle they face a stiffer test when the sides clash at St James' Park on Saturday.
Evatt was part of the Blackpool side which lost 4-1 at the venue back in April but Ian Holloway's side still managed to achieve promotion via the Championship play-offs.
The defender believes the Seasiders have pushed on a lot since the defeat and he is looking forward to renewing rivalries with the Magpies again this weekend.
He told the club's
official website: "I think last year we were maybe the rabbit in the headlights, we just weren't ourselves on that day.
"We were in a great run of form before and after that, but that day we just let ourselves down.
"We were a new team last year learning new things and I think we've come a long way since then.
"We've got a lot of new players that need to bed in, but they're all settling in really well."
Cathcart praise
Evatt is enjoying playing alongside one of the new recruits - former Manchester United defender Craig Cathcart - who he believes is top quality.
"He's been different class, I really enjoy it," he said. "He's a really nice lad and a really good footballer.
"It's really good for the team that we're signing players of his quality, and to sign him at 21-years-old is something that will bode well for the future."
Evatt believes the international break will have done Holloway's side good and he cannot wait to take on first Newcastle and then Chelsea in the next two top flight games.
"It's been a nice little break, everyone knows the Premier League is high intensity and sometimes you need a rest from it all," he said.
"We're ready to work again now with two massive games away from home that we could do with getting something out of.
"It's a massive period for us really, this is a time that will test just how good we are and if we're ready for it.
"The boys are full of confidence and will give it their best shot."
