‘Don’t think you’re so special’ – Many fans react as Bolton Wanderers boss makes bold statement

Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has claimed opposition players are raising their game when they travelled to the University of Bolton Stadium, as reported by the club’s Twitter feed.

Evatt oversaw Barrow’s promotion from the National League last season but has endured a difficult start to his life as Bolton boss. His side are 20th in the division, having lost four of their opening six matches. Three of those league defeats have come at home against Forest Green, Newport and Oldham, and Evatt believes that the opulent surroundings of their ground is partly why.

“The players that come here as the opposition are filming the stadium on the phone and taking photos because it’s a palace compared to where they play,” said Evatt. “Teams raise their game but we’ve got to rise to that, it’s as simple as that.”

Whilst there may be an element of truth to Evatt’s words, the manner in which they have been expressed has, predictably, brought supporters out to comment, from both sides of the fence. Bolton fans are not happy with the club’s weak start, despite strong transfer business which saw them bag the likes if Eoin Doyle over the summer.

Similarly, supporters of other clubs in the division have taken the comments to be quite arrogant, especially when other big grounds such as Valley Parade, The Ricoh and Fratton Park have all seen League Two football in recent seasons. Here’s what supporters are saying after Evatt’s rather bullish comments.

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https://twitter.com/CONKS__/status/1318262956325556225

https://twitter.com/cjvilliers/status/1318231400886173698

https://twitter.com/TheLatestColU/status/1318277230167003137

https://twitter.com/Wolfonabridge/status/1318228609652457472

https://twitter.com/markrmayhew/status/1318288639869202436

https://twitter.com/AleBarons1/status/1318254316797427715

https://twitter.com/CDninetynine/status/1318254295633022976