Evatt: You can't buy team spirit!
AN Evatt reckons team spirit will be worth more than millionaire owners when Pool take on QPR tonight.
Pool are paupers compared to a football club that became Britain's richest when Formula One big-timers Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone took over earlier in the season.
They have spent millions on reshaping the side and recruited Luigi De Canio from Italy's Seri A as manager – but Evatt, who left QPR to join Pool last year, reckons that wealth isn't everything.
"It is a bit bizarre to see what's happened there, especially for me because I used to play for them," said Evatt.
"Apparently they are the richest club in the world now ... so it was a great time for me to leave wasn't it!
"But although they might have no end of money, it's sometimes not all about the cash.
"If you look at us at Blackpool we've built a squad on relatively nothing for this division and yet we are still halfway and matching every team in the league.
Positive
"So it's not about money, it's all about team spirit and we have that in abundance.
"The lads have got no end of belief in their own ability and we have shown that on countless occasions this season already.
"We believe we can beat every team in this league and we have shown that we can more than match anyone in this division.
"QPR will be tough but there is no reason why we can't get a positive result, add another point or three to our tally and edge ourselves closer to safety."
Boss Simon Grayson is expected to make changes after the lacklustre draw against Southampton on Saturday.
Evatt won't be one of those to miss out – and after being confined to the bench for the reverse fixture with QPR in December because of injury, the defender is eager to show his old club what he can do.
"I wasn't treated the best by QPR," he said. "The club was in a bit of a mess at the time – although thankfully now it is turning around for them – and I am really looking forward to going back there, especially after missing the first game against them.
"What makes it better is that I know I'm going back as part of a very good team.
"We are flying at the moment, we are playing well and that's why we should be confident about
getting a good result.
"I might get a bit of stick from their fans but it will be all welcome and hopefully we will go there, turn them over and get the three points."
One thing Evatt is looking forward to is playing in a wind-free environment.
Assuming London doesn't continue to get hit by the gales buffeting the south-west, Loftus Road will be a whole lot calmer than Blackpool was on Saturday.
"We didn't play great against Southampton at the weekend but the wind made it very difficult," the 26-year-old added.
"We like to play good stuff but on Saturday the ball was all over the place and you didn't know where it was going to go.
"Southampton are a very good side with expensive ex-Premiership players, so we have come a long way when we are disappointed at only drawing with them.
"We've got to keep picking up points and not get too disappointed when we don't win."
