Plymouth Argyle are considering hijacking Cardiff City’s move for Ian Evatt as they begin their search for Miron Muslic’s successor, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Pilgrims were rocked earlier this week when Muslic informed them that he wished to speak to 2. Bundesliga outfit Schalke over their vacant managerial position. This was despite the 42-year-old stating that he will remain at the club following their relegation from the Championship last month.
The German’s confirmed their appointment yesterday, leaving Plymouth with the unwanted task of finding a replacement ahead of what is set to be an exceptionally important transfer window for the Devon-based side.
Plymouth Begin To Draw Up Shortlist
With a League One campaign on the horizon, Plymouth will now have to identify the right man to lead a promotion charge. Fellow relegated club Cardiff City are in the same boat after parting company with Omer Riza in April.
The Bluebirds are said to be keen on ex-Bolton Wanderers boss Evatt, as well as former Oxford United head coach Des Buckingham. It was revealed over the weekend that they had held talks with the former over the vacant position, with the 43-year-old having been out of work since departing the Toughsheet Community Stadium in January.
It appears as if they now have competition though. According to Nixon, Evatt has a ‘fighting chance’ of entering the dugout at Home Park. He also claimed that his past links with new head of football operations David Fox has boosted his chances.
Other early frontrunners for the position include David Wagner, who was also linked with the role in January, Jack Wilshere and fellow Cardiff target Des Buckingham.
Writer’s View
It appears as if Ian Evatt is in line for a return to management after a five month break. His time at Bolton ended poorly but he is still revered for the job he did at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Over an almost five-year stint, he guided the Trotters back into League One in 2021 whilst also winning the EFL Trophy in 2023, ironically with a 4-0 win over Plymouth. However, question marks remain as to whether the 43-year-old has the credentials to get over the line in the third tier, having lost in the play-off final with Bolton in 2024 before falling away completely this season.
