Ian Evatt and Matt Gilks have become the latest players to commit their future to Blackpool.
Evatt and Gilks commit to Seasiders
Defender Ian Evatt and goalkeeper Matt Gilks have become the latest Blackpool players to commit their future to the club, penning new two-year deals.
The two 29-year-olds also have the option of extending their stay by another year under the terms of the contracts.
They are the third and fourth members of Ian Holloway's squad to put pen to paper on a fresh deals this week, following on from Stephen Crainey and Ashley Eastham.
The news will come as a welcome boost to Pool following the departure of influential captain Charlie Adam to Liverpool, while midfielder David Vaughan has completed a move to Sunderland.
Evatt, whose contract was due to expire next June, is determined to help Blackpool return to the Premier League following their relegation at the end of last season.
Delighted
He told Pool's
official website: "Fingers crossed I'll be here for three years. I'm delighted to sign the deal, delighted to stay and hopefully we can get back in the Premier League next year.
"I think everyone knows that I really wanted to stay here, my heart is at this club and this is where I want to be. You always want to stay where you're happy and I'm happy, my wife is happy and so this is where we'll stay."
"I've got a lot to live up to this year, it's not going to be easy, I see myself now as a Premier League player in my head and I have to prove to everyone that I'm that good.
"That means being outstanding every week and fingers crossed I can do that and Blackpool can push for promotion again."
Evatt arrived at Bloomfield Road from QPR in 2007 and has also spent time at Derby, Northampton and Chesterfield.
Stressful
Gilks had been out of contract at the end of last season having rejected fresh terms following the club's promotion to the Premier League last summer.
He added: "It has been a stressful period for me, but I am glad to have everything resolved and I am looking forward to getting back into the thick of things.
"I am expecting a bit of stick from the lads when I arrive at the airport (for the club's pre-season training camp in Portugal), but I can't wait to get back in training and for the new season to start."
Gilks' U-turn represents a big boost to Holloway who had already seen keepers Paul Rachubka and Richard Kingson depart following the club's relegation from the Premier League.
