Speculation has mounted in recent days over Ian Evatt’s future at Bolton Wanderers, with the 42-year-old admitting he would be having “conversations” with the club this weekend.
The Trotters have had a long hangover since their defeat in the League One play-off final to Oxford United and are now in the relegation zone after five games. Last time out was probably the most evident sign of their poor start, being decimated by Huddersfield Town 4-0.
Wanderers beat Leyton Orient on opening day before drawing against Wrexham, but have gone three games on the bounce without a single point. Charlton Athletic claimed a 2-0 win at The Valley before Exeter City matched that scoreline in Lancashire.
According to The Bolton News, Evatt will be in the dugout against Reading next weekend after talks with the higher-ups at Bolton. However, there will be some casualties within the backroom staff, with Matt Craddock expected to leave over the coming days.
Evatt spoke following the defeat to The Terriers about his own future, saying (Quotes via The Bolton News): “That is what I said about tarnishing my legacy here, I don’t want to do that.
“I think I have done too well, worked too hard, you know how hard I have worked to get this club and lift it up to where it has been, maybe not sat here right now, but where it was last season and in the summer and the reputation we have got throughout the leagues now. I have worked too hard to let that slip away.
“We will all go away and have some conversations and see what happens.”
Evatt arrived at Wanderers in 2020 from Barrow when the club was arguably at its lowest point after back-to-back relegations to League Two. He guided them to promotion straight away, before building his side up culminating in an EFL Trophy win over Plymouth Argyle and then the play-off final last season.
Bolton have found much more joy in the cups this season, advancing to the third round of the EFL Cup via a penalty shootout win over Mansfield Town followed up by a win over Shrewsbury Town. They are given a rest this week due to their opponents Arsenal’s involvement in the Champions League.
Writer’s View
Bolton Wanderers have made their minds up for now about Ian Evatt. He has been the impetus for their resurgence after a decade of lows starting from their final years in the Premier League. This season has shown the cracks in his armour and turned a section of the fanbase against him. Last season did show that the potential of promotion is there but such is the quality of competition that the play-offs will be the most likely route to get back into the Championship.
The club ultimately trust their man and will give him the chance to turn the situation around. Only five games into the season would be too early to dispose of someone who has been a loyal servant to the club like Evatt. However, he does need to deliver something soon or the club he has built a legacy with will give him his marching orders.
