He’s Back: Former Bolton Wanderers Boss Set For League One Return

Former Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt is set to return to League One with division rivals Blackpool, according to several reports.

The 43-year-old arrived at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in 2020 after a successful stint with Barrow. His time in Cumbria saw him achieve promotion to League Two for the first time in the club’s history, leading to Bolton to steal his signature.

The Trotters were languishing in League Two at the time of Evatt’s arrival having plummeted down the divisions. He guided the club back into League One in his debut campaign after finishing third.

Bolton’s first season back in the third tier saw them achieve an admirable ninth placed finish, but the following campaign brought more success. The Greater Manchester-based side won the EFL Trophy, dismantling Plymouth Argyle 4-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium.

 

Ian Evatt hailed a great day for Wanderers and the town of Bolton after delivering the club’s first knock-out trophy in 34 years.#bwfc

— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) April 3, 2023

Play-Off Heartbreak Catalyst For Departure

Bolton began the 2023/24 campaign as one of the favourites for promotion. They pushed Portsmouth and Derby County all the way for a top two finish but fell short.

Evatt navigated his side through a tough play-off semi final tie against Barnsley, eventually securing a 5-4 aggregate win. However, they fell short in the final in what was a shock 1-0 defeat against Oxford United.

The two-time League One Manager of the Month retained the support of the board last season but with a place in the play-offs hanging by a thread, he departed the club by mutual consent in January.

Return To Former Club Imminent

Evatt had been linked with the vacant position at Blackpool ever since Steve Bruce was sacked earlier this month. The former defender represented the Seasiders as a player, making over 250 appearances for the club.

He played a huge role in the Lancashire-based side’s rise to the Premier League in 2010 and also played all 38 league games in the top tier. He remained at Bloomfield Road until 2013 where he left to join Chesterfield.

Journalist Alan Nixon reported at the weekend that Blackpool had chosen their ex-player as the person to succeed Bruce. It now appears as if an announcement is imminent, with Evatt spotted outside the stadium earlier today.

 

🚨💣𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Ian Evatt spotted just now outside Bloomfield Road! 🤩

Announcement imminent! #utmp | #blackpoolfc pic.twitter.com/ZYQaYse6io

— Anything Blackpool (@AnythingBFC) October 20, 2025

He has a tough task on his hands, with his new club currently sitting bottom of League One. His first match could potentially be the early relegation six-pointer against Peterborough United this weekend.

Writer’s View

This is an excellent appointment for Blackpool and one that will galvanise the supporters. Evatt is a hugely popular figure at Bloomfield Road and is widely considered a club legend after helping them rise from League One to the Premier League during his playing days.

This isn’t a sentimental hire though. The 43-year-old is accomplished at this level and whilst he failed to take that final step with Bolton into the Championship, supporters were incredibly grateful for what he achieved and how he brought back a degree of stability in what was their worst period in their modern history.