As Bolton Wanderers navigate a crucial League One campaign, manager Ian Evatt has provided insight into the ongoing contract talks involving several key players whose deals expire next summer.
Notable names such as Josh Sheehan, Nathan Baxter, Ricardo Santos, and Randell Williams are in their final contract year, raising questions about the future of the club’s core squad.
Evatt’s Approach to Contract Negotiations
Evatt has confirmed that discussions have been held with several players whose contracts are set to expire. However, he remains focused on Bolton’s immediate goals, expressing a desire to keep contract negotiations in the background until a more opportune moment.
“Things are progressing all the time, and whether players are in contract or coming out of contract, they all know where they stand, and that is important,” he shared with The Bolton News.
“We will keep monitoring the situation as we go along and announce things when we feel the time is right. But for now, we are just focused on the job at hand, really, and that is getting back to where we want to be,” Evatt stated.
The timing of these contract talks is pivotal, as come January, players in their final contract months are permitted to negotiate with other clubs. Evatt’s position emphasizes the need for players to earn their extensions while balancing the urgency to keep key talents within Bolton’s ranks.
Back in the Dugout after Suspension
Tonight’s match against Stevenage will also mark Evatt’s return to the dugout following a three-match touchline suspension for a red card in the 2-2 draw against Shrewsbury Town. While suspended, Evatt observed games from the TV gantry, which provided a unique perspective on his team’s tactical play. Reflecting on the experience, he shared his enthusiasm about returning to the sideline, remarking that the distant vantage point offered valuable insights into spacing and movement.
However, the manager is eager to get back into “the heat of the battle,” emphasizing that he has learned lessons from his suspension and is committed to avoiding similar incidents in the future.
Writer’s View
Evatt’s stance on Bolton’s contract talks reflects a strategic mindset, focusing on team performance and stability before individual negotiations. His emphasis on earning extensions underscores Bolton’s competitive ethos, balancing player retention with performance incentives. With his return to the sideline and momentum from recent wins, Evatt seems poised to steer the team through a pivotal period, with eyes firmly set on achieving promotion objectives.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
