Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt addressed growing concerns over his future after a frustrating 2-2 draw against struggling Cambridge United at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Despite a last-minute own goal from Zeno Ibsen Rossi rescuing a point for the hosts, sections of the crowd directed their frustrations at Evatt, continuing a pattern of recent games.
Costly Defensive Errors
Cambridge United capitalised on defensive lapses early in the match, with goals from Bristol City loanee Josh Stokes and former Wanderers striker Elias Kachunga handing the visitors a surprising advantage. Bolton briefly restored parity through John McAtee, but Cambridge quickly reclaimed the lead, leaving the home side to chase the game.
Evatt was candid about his team’s performance, saying:
“We made it incredibly difficult for ourselves, especially in the first three minutes. You can’t start a game like that. Three set plays, don’t defend one. Then 1-0 down against a team that are just going to come and disrupt and spoil and put 10 men behind the ball.”
The manager expressed frustration with Bolton’s defensive frailties, noting how they struggled to keep clean sheets this season. Ricardo Santos, who looked off the pace, was substituted at half-time due to an ongoing hip issue, further exposing their backline.
“Every time [opponents] venture into our half, it feels like we’re going to concede,” Evatt admitted. “That isn’t us and isn’t acceptable.”
Mounting Pressure
The draw sees Wanderers inch closer to the League One play-off places, but fans’ expectations for automatic promotion have weighed heavily on Evatt. Having missed out on the play-offs in the last two campaigns, Bolton set their sights on Championship football this season, a goal that now seems increasingly challenging.
Asked about the fans’ jeers, Evatt said: “It’s difficult and sometimes it’s personal, but it’s my job to keep the players focused. I believe in these players and what we’re trying to do. We’ve still got an awful lot to play for this season.”
Despite the disappointment, Evatt remained optimistic about the team’s chances, urging supporters to withhold judgment until the season’s conclusion. “The message to everybody is we should be judged at the end of the season. If we don’t get promotion, then we obviously know what that means for me personally.”
Writer’s View
Bolton’s defensive vulnerabilities continue to undermine their promotion ambitions. While Evatt has been a steady presence at the club, fan frustrations reflect growing impatience for tangible progress. With the team still within touching distance of the play-offs, the next few matches could define both Bolton’s season and Evatt’s future. Resolving defensive issues and fostering unity among players and fans will be crucial if the Wanderers are to achieve their Championship dream.