Blackpool defender Ian Evatt believes the players deserve greater recognition for their Premiership promotion.

Evatt is one of those who has been with Pool throughout the startling rise from the depths of League One to the top of the English footballing pyramid.

And he believes he and his team-mates should get more credit for what they have achieved.

"People make a big deal of the togetherness and spirit but we've got good players and people don't give us credit for that," Evatt, 28, told the Blackpool Gazette. "We are good footballers and we are improving all the time.

"I think we were the only team in the Championship that consistently improved throughout last season. Our belief, to come from behind twice in the play-off final, was second to none and I was so proud of everyone.

"We aren't the highest paid bunch in the world. But the character we've got is something else. Hopefully the squad will stay together because I think it deserves a chance in the Premier League.

"We are still improving, we play fantastic football and it is great to watch. I'm not sure many teams will fancy coming to Bloomfield Road next season."