Rotherham United manager Steve Evans has dismissed speculation linking him to the vacant position at Bolton Wanderers.
The Trotters are searching for a new head coach after Ian Evatt left the club earlier this week by mutual consent. His departure followed a recent spout of poor form, with the 2-1 defeat against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night proving to be the final straw.
Bolton still harbour ambitions of earning a spot in the Championship next season. They came agonisingly close to achieving that dream last May but lost out to Oxford United in the play-off final. They currently sit ninth in league one, three points off the top six. However, they are 16 points off the automatic promotion spots. As a result, it looks as if the play-offs would be their best opportunity of going up.
Bolton Shortlist Drawn Up
Earlier this week, journalist Alan Nixon claimed that a three-man shortlist had been drawn up to succeed Evatt. The trio was made up of ex-Stoke City head coach Steven Schumacher, St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson and Rotherham United’s Steve Evans.
Interest in Evans has come as somewhat of a surprise, especially considering he only returned to the Millers last year. Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Burton Albion this afternoon, the 62-year-old addressed the links.
“My only task is making Rotherham United better. I was very fortunate that my chairman and vice-chairman stood shoulder to shoulder with me in a little spell that was difficult for everyone.
“They showed me tremendous loyalty and the least I can do is return that loyalty.
“I’ve not had any contact from Bolton. I got a call from the people who look after me on the business side just to see if there would be any interest on my behalf.
“I love that club. I started there as an apprentice looking after the Sam Allardyces, Frank Worthingtons and Peter Reids. I’ve got a lot of affinity with the club.
“Every time I go there I see people who I remember and who remember me. It’s a brilliant club. I know one of two of the senior people there as well.”
Writer’s View
It’s really difficult to see Bolton going down the Steve Evans route. That’s nothing against the veteran manager, he is tried and tested at this level, but you have to feel their first choices will lie elsewhere. As for Evans, although committing himself to Rotherham, it is clear that he holds Bolton in high regard. It would be interesting to see how this would play out if there was any sort of official approach.