Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has given a damning verdict on his players after his side’s 3-1 defeat at Rotherham United, as reported by The Bolton News.
Evatt was lambasted by a strong travelling contingent who left no uncertainty as to what they want their manager to do.
Evatt Jumps To His Own Defence
Following the defeat and the calls from supporters for him to leave, Evatt defended himself and insisted the players have to shoulder responsibility for their performances this season.
“We can’t keep recruiting players, we’ve recruited a lot of players. I just think this group are mentality fragile, focussed more on the individual than the collective. And that needs to change, they have been told that.”
He bemoaned their inconsistency and the attitude shown by his players.
“They are showing it in flashes, in games, on runs, but not consistently enough, not for their level.”
“This is a huge football club with huge ambition and a huge fanbase but that doesn’t mean to say that when you get here you’ve made it and the handbrake should go on. It should mean you want to do more.”
“I am not talking about financial earnings, I am talking about earning your stripes in the game-winning trophies, winning promotions, winning games consistently. Again, for me, it’s down to wanting it.”
Not For The First Time
This is not the first time Evatt has called his players into question, having again questioned their mentality following the defeat to Oxford United in the playoff final.
The Season So Far
Despite the loud grumblings, Wanderers find themselves just four points off the playoff spots in League One. The issues lie in the inconsistencies shown all season, with the club winning two league games in a row just twice.
Bolton’s last eight fixtures epitomise their season so far, with three wins, four losses and a draw making up that run of results.
Writer’s View
With the unrest among supporters and the firm message they have sent to their manager and the manager seemingly passing the blame to his players, this looks as if it can only end one way.
After an EFL Trophy match with Lincoln, Wanderers face a Cambridge United side who haven’t won in seven and then a Charlton Athletic side unbeaten in five. Anything less than six points could well spell the end for Evatt.
