Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt is under mounting pressure as his team’s inconsistencies threaten to derail their League One campaign.
Currently languishing in 10th place, Wanderers are set to face Lincoln City in a must-win fixture, with their play-off aspirations hanging in the balance.
Mounting Pressure as Fans Lose Patience
Evatt, who received backing from the club’s board before Christmas, now faces growing frustration from fans. Their displeasure reached boiling point following a Boxing Day defeat to Barnsley, where Bolton squandered a first-half lead to lose 2-1. This result not only highlighted their struggles but also left them 16 points adrift of the top two and with a negative goal difference.
The Trotters’ inconsistency has seen them surrender promising positions far too often this season. Against Barnsley, Klaidi Lolos’s opener was one of the few bright spots, but their second-half capitulation revealed deeper issues within the squad. Speaking candidly about the team’s struggles, Evatt admitted:
“We can’t stay on this cycle, it has to change, it is not good for anybody. It is not good for me, not for the players, not good for the fans. We need change, we need to be better, and that needs to happen quickly.”
Sunday’s match against Lincoln City offers an opportunity to bounce back. While the Imps have been in similarly poor form over the last six games, Evatt knows the pressure weighs heavily on his players. He noted that visiting teams often raise their performance at the University of Bolton Stadium, playing on the nerves of the home side.
Bolton’s struggles have led Evatt to prepare for potential reinforcements during the January transfer window. A recall for midfielder Aaron Morley from Wycombe appears imminent, but Evatt is adamant that the current squad should be performing better. “Once we get everyone back fit, strong and available, the team should be strong enough to compete in the top six of this league,” he said.
While January signings have saved past campaigns, the manager insists improvement must come from within. “We know – I am not naïve – but it needs to change quickly,” Evatt stated, underlining the urgency of the situation.
Writer’s View
Bolton Wanderers are teetering on the edge of mid-table mediocrity. Ian Evatt’s frank appraisal of the issues shows he understands the stakes, but with time running out, his squad must deliver now. While the January window could provide a boost, a turnaround in attitude and execution on the pitch is paramount, starting with the clash against Lincoln City.
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.
