Former Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has admitted he is ready to return to the dugout after reflecting on his time at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The 43-year-old opted to swap Barrow for Bolton in 2020, shortly after he guided the Bluebirds to the National League title. He enjoyed a near five-year stint with the Trotters, during which time he earned promotion from League Two and tasted success at Wembley Stadium in the EFL Trophy.
Evatt found himself heavily backed as Bolton targeted a return to the Championship for the first time since 2019. He guided them into the play-offs in two successive seasons in 2023 and 2024, where they lost in the final to Oxford United in the latter.
Last season saw the curtain close on the ex-Blackpool and Chesterfield defender’s time in Greater Manchester. He departed the club in January after a run of inconsistent form led to them playing catch up in the race for the play-offs.
Evatt Ready For Return
After 10 months out of the game, Evatt has opened up on his exit from Bolton. Speaking to The Football League Paper, he said:
“It was time. When I left I think we were still only three points off the play-offs but I felt like I needed a break.
“I’m really pleased that the board supported me with that because sometimes you just need to refresh yourself and give yourself time to improve and go again.
“It’s the first break I have had in 27 years in football and it has been nice to have time at home and to be able to focus on just being a dad to my kids.
“And when I reflect on the job I did with Bolton, I’m proud of the job I did. Of course, there is some lingering frustration because I truly believe we should have got promoted but I have learned from that, and I am a better manager for it.”
🗣️ “I always try to give my players that freedom to attack, play and score goals.”
✍️ Former Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt on his playing days and time in the dugout. https://t.co/YDPZbjLwsk
— The Football League Paper (@TheLeaguePaper) October 14, 2025
Evatt has been linked with the vacant position at Blackpool, a club in which he made over 250 appearances for as a player. Continuing, he admitted he is ready to return after his lengthy layoff:
“Now I am ready to come back, which is another double-edged sword, really.
“I don’t feel at all comfortable sitting here and waiting for someone to fall. That doesn’t sit right with me.
“But that’s the nature of the industry we are in and if somebody wants a manager who can build an identity and a philosophy then I’ll be ready.”
Writer’s View
It’s fair to say that Ian Evatt’s time at Bolton came to a natural end, but he is still someone who is fondly remembered by supporters. He came in when the club was arguably at their lowest in recent history and installed a bit of joy by earning promotion from League Two and the EFL Trophy win in 2023.
Unfortunately, he was unable to take the next step, but his admission that he is ready to return will immediately catch the attention of some in League One. The timing of this is interesting, especially with former club Blackpool on the hunt for a new head coach.
