Ian Evatt has claimed that it was his decision to leave Bolton Wanderers after five years in January in a first interview since departing the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The 43-year-old had enjoyed success during his time in Greater Manchester. He guided the club out of League Two in 2021 before winning the EFL Trophy two years later with an emphatic 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at Wembley Stadium. However, he suffered heartbreak last season when his team lost to Oxford United in the League One play-off final.
The Trotters were clearly suffering a play-off hangover during the early stages of the campaign. Evatt struggled to turn things around though, with a 2-1 defeat against Charlton Athletic bringing to an end his tenure.
After an extensive search, former Plymouth and Stoke City boss Steven Schumacher was named as his successor, sparking an almost immediate upturn in fortunes. Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Wrexham saw them remain seventh, two points behind Charlton in sixth.
Evatt Opens Up On Departure
Although he has only been out of a job for a short period, Evatt has already been linked with a handful of roles. However, the ex-Barrow manager has revealed that he now plans to take a break. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“It was more my decision, to be honest. I had a feeling that I needed a break, just to refresh and a new challenge.
“They didn’t have social media to deal with and the pressures that brings. It was time for me really to take a step down, reassess, grow again, get better as a manager and come back.”
Continuing, Evatt piled the praise on his successor Steven Schumacher:
“The club has been left in good hands.
“Steven (Schumacher) is a really solid manager and he’s had a great start. I wish them all the best.”
Writer’s View
Ian Evatt’s last few months at Bolton should never detract from the job he performed during his five-year spell at the club. He was the man who picked them up from the fourth tier, almost guiding them back to the Championship whilst collecting silverware along the way. Although supporters largely accepted his time was up, he will be remembered fondly for his achievements. When he does decide to return to management, there won’t be a shortage of offers.
