Bolton Wanderers are set to end their search for their new manager by naming Steven Schumacher as Ian Evatt’s successor, according to Football League World.
The Trotters announced earlier this month that Evatt’s four-and-a-half-year stay at the club had come to an end by mutual consent following a string of poor results. The parting of ways came after a run of just three wins in 10 league outings, leading to concerns that the Greater Manchester-based side would miss out on a place in the League One play-offs.
Bolton began the campaign as one of the favourites to earn promotion after narrowly missing out last season. They made it to the play-off final, only to lose 1-0 to Oxford United at Wembley Stadium.
They have turned things around under the stewardship of academy coaches Julian Darby, Andrew Tutte and Andy Taylor over the past week, recording back-to-back wins for the first time since October.
Schumacher Set For League One Return
Steven Schumacher is a manager who is well versed in League One. He came close to breaking the third tier’s points record of 103 points with Plymouth Argyle during the 2022/23 campaign, falling just two points short.
This earned him a move to Stoke City in December 2023. However, he was perhaps harshly shown the exit door just five games into this season in a move which hasn’t exactly revitalised the Potters, who currently sit two points above the relegation places in the Championship.
The 40-year-old has been linked with numerous roles since, although appears to have been waiting for the right position. It is said that Bolton have made the decision to bring Schumacher to the Toughsheet Community Stadium, with the former Bury and Crewe Alexandra midfielder set to return to management imminently.
Writer’s View
Bolton have been linked with everyone from Sam Allardyce to Steve Evans, but supporters will surely be thrilled with this appointment. Schumacher was perhaps the frontrunner from the moment Ian Evatt made his exit, and he looks to be the right man for the job. His short managerial career has been a huge success. His Plymouth team were one of the best League One has ever seen, whilst the job he did at Stoke was good under the circumstances. This appointment will make Bolton one of the favourites to secure promotion.
