Bolton Wanderers chairperson Sharon Brittan has confirmed that Ian Evatt retains the club’s backing despite uncertainty about his future.
Evatt has been with the Whites since July 2020, and he has helped the club return to a good League One position.
Last season, the team made it to the play-off final but lost to Oxford United, preventing them from being promoted.
Since this setback, Bolton has failed to maintain consistent form, and the club is trailing in the race for a top two berth this season.
Ian Evatt decision confirmed
Bolton confirmed in a lengthy statement issued on Wednesday morning that Evatt will remain with the club for the time being.
His future has been called into question this season due to the team’s dismal performance, but the chairman has reaffirmed the club’s commitment to the 43-year-old player.
“As Chairman of Bolton Wanderers, I would also like to take this moment to reaffirm my loyal support – and that of the entire club – for our manager, Ian Evatt, his staff and the players, and to highlight the strength of the journey we are all on together,” wrote Brittan via the club’s official website.
“I spoke with Ian, his staff, and all of the players last week, and they are a fantastic set of people who are completely committed to this football club and understand the task at hand this season: we need to improve again.
“I believe that both loyalty and continuity lead to long-term success, and that is our model, which I believe is unique among others.
“It definitely brings frustrations at times but getting to the top is never easy.”
Bolton’s recent form
Bolton has won only two of their last five league games, dropping to seventh in the League One standings.
He led the club to promotion from League Two at the first attempt in 2021, and the Whites are presently in their fourth season back in the third league.
However, recent defeats to Wigan Athletic and Stockport County have prompted questions about the side’s current path.
Bolton’s next game is against league leaders Wycombe Wanderers on December 20.
Bolton’s commitment to Evatt could make or break them
Nobody doubts Evatt’s outstanding work for the club over the last four years, cementing their position as a quality League One team.
However, this season has been disappointing, and fans will be unhappy with their lack of improvement.
Things are highly competitive at the top of the table this year, and promotion is never assured, but many expected them to be in the running for a top two berth this season.
If things do not improve in the coming weeks, they will be entirely out of contention and may even fall behind in the play-off race, placing a lot of pressure on the club to perform in January.
