Blackpool boss Ian Evatt has revealed a ringing endorsement from Wolves manager Rob Edwards helped seal the Deadline Day loan signing of Luton Town’s Reuell Walters.
The 21 year old wing back completed a switch to Bloomfield Road for the rest of the campaign after managing just four League One appearances for the Hatters this term. Despite his limited minutes, Evatt is convinced he’s landed a player who can make a real impact and he’s got Edwards, the former Blackpool defender, to thank for the inside track.
“Obviously one of my good friends in football, who this club knows very well, had him at Luton and spoke incredibly highly of him,” Evatt said. The Seasiders gaffer admitted supporters might not know much about Walters, but insisted the club’s homework has been thorough. “I can assure you there was a lot of diligent work behind the scenes to know he’d be a good fit for us,” he added.
Evatt pointed to previous successful loan stints from the likes of Conor Bradley and Danny Imray as proof that unfamiliar names can quickly become fan favourites. “Pretty much they fall in love with them quickly when they see what a good player they are,” he said. “I think we’ll see the same things with Reuell.”
Walters’ arrival was part of a midfield reshuffle on Deadline Day. The Seasiders also brought in Karoy Anderson and Leighton Clarkson, while Lee Evans departed for Bradford City. Evatt acknowledged the January window is a tricky beast, balancing short term needs with long term planning. “Football changes quickly,” he noted. “With midfield players getting injured and Lee Evans moving on, it changed the dynamic a little bit and enabled us to bring in the players we have.”
The new recruits offers Evatt different options in the engine room as Blackpool look to solidify their push in the second half of the season. With Walters, they’ll be hoping Edwards’ recommendation proves spot on and the youngster hits the ground running at a club where his advocate once plied his trade.
