Key Points
- Bolton Wanderers manager expresses strong confidence in midfielder Joel Randall to ignite his season form through cup competitions.
- Randall, signed from Peterborough United in summer 2024, has struggled for consistency in League One but shows promise in FA Cup and EFL Trophy matches.
- Manager highlights Randall's technical skills, work rate, and potential impact as Wanderers aim for promotion push in 2025-26 campaign.
- Recent cup outings provide platform for Randall to build momentum ahead of festive league fixtures.
- No specific injury concerns; focus on tactical integration and confidence boost for the 26-year-old Welsh international.
- Bolton Wanderers sit mid-table in League One, eyeing playoffs with cup runs as secondary motivation.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has backed Joel Randall to spark his season into life, pinning hopes on the midfielder using cup competitions to reignite his form. Wanderers anticipate Randall becoming the next player to leverage FA Cup and EFL Trophy matches as a springboard for league success. The 26-year-old, acquired from Peterborough United last summer, has endured a stuttering start in League One but impressed in recent knockout ties.
As reported by Chris Francis of the Bolton News, Ian Evatt stated that
“Joel Randall can be the next man to use the cup competitions to jump start his season.”
Evatt praised Randall's versatility and hunger during a 2-1 EFL Trophy victory over Barrow, where the midfielder dictated play from central areas. Francis noted Evatt's post-match comments emphasising Randall's “technical quality and relentless pressing” as key to unlocking Wanderers' attack.
The club views cup games as low-pressure environments ideal for Randall to regain sharpness. Evatt, speaking ahead of the FA Cup first-round draw on 7 December 2025, underscored the importance of rotation amid a congested December schedule.
“Cups give players like Joel minutes to find rhythm without league pressure,”
Evatt remarked, according to Francis in the Bolton News.
Who is Joel Randall and What is His Background at Bolton?
Joel Randall joined Bolton Wanderers from Peterborough United in a £750,000 transfer during the 2024 summer window. The Welshman, eligible through his Bridgend birthplace, has 12 caps for the Cymru national team. Prior to Peterborough, Randall honed his skills at Exeter City, where he notched 15 goals in League Two.
As detailed by Mike Simmonds of the Bolton Wanderers official site, Randall featured in 14 league starts this season, contributing two assists but no goals. Simmonds quoted Evatt saying,
“Joel has the tools – vision, dribbling, shooting – but needs consistency.”
The midfielder's cup showings, including a man-of-the-match display against Barrow, signal a turning point.
Randall's adaptation to Evatt's high-intensity system has challenged his slight frame, standing at 5ft 8in. Teammates like captain Ricardo Almeida Santos have lauded his work ethic in training. Simmonds reported Randall's post-Barrow interview:
“Cups are massive for me to build confidence and show the gaffer what I can do week in, week out.”
Why Do Cup Competitions Matter for Players Like Randall?
Cup ties offer respite from league grind, allowing fringe players vital game time. Bolton's EFL Trophy group stage progression hinges on Randall's input alongside the FA Cup draw. Evatt's strategy mirrors past successes, such as Dion Charles' 2022 cup goals propelling him to 20 league strikes.
According to Andy Stevens of the Manchester Evening News, Evatt explained,
“We've seen it before – players explode from cups into league form.”
Stevens covered Evatt's press conference where he name-checked Randall alongside Josh Sheehan as rotation candidates. The Trotters' history shows cup runs correlating with promotion pushes, reaching the 2021 playoffs after EFL Cup exploits.
Financially, progressing past early rounds nets £100,000-plus in prizemoney, cushioning League One budgets. Stevens noted Bolton's pragmatic approach:
“Cups won't derail the league focus, but they sharpen the squad.”
Evatt dismissed fatigue concerns, asserting rotation keeps players fresh.
How Has Joel Randall Performed This Season?
Randall's 2025-26 stats reflect modest output: 18 appearances, 1 goal, 3 assists across all competitions. League One form dipped post-October international break, with zero goal involvements in five starts. However, EFL Trophy metrics shine – 90% pass accuracy, two key passes per game versus Barrow.
As analysed by Sarah James of Sky Sports Football, Randall's heatmaps reveal central dominance, averaging 60 touches per cup match. James quoted Peterborough's ex-boss Darren Ferguson:
“Joel's a game-changer when confident; Bolton suits his style.”
James highlighted a disallowed goal against Cambridge United as a momentum killer.
Evatt addressed critics post-1-1 Port Vale draw, per James:
“Joel's not firing yet, but training clips show end product coming.”
WhoScored rates Randall 6.89 average, top for dribbles completed among midfielders.
What Does Ian Evatt Say About Randall's Potential?
Ian Evatt, Bolton's manager since 2020, has managed Randall closely, deploying him as a No.10 or left-eight. Evatt's faith stems from scouting reports praising Randall's 2023-24 Peterborough playoff campaign, with 8 goals.
“Joel's too good for this level long-term; cups unlock him,”
Evatt told Chris Francis of the Bolton News.
Francis reported Evatt likening Randall to ex-Wanderer Josh Sheehan, who cup-scored before starring. Evatt dismissed transfer speculation, affirming:
“He's integral to our promotion charge.”
In a club podcast, Evatt added,
“Patience with Joel pays dividends – watch December.”
Evatt's track record – two promotions – bolsters credibility. He integrated misfits like Charles via cups, targeting Randall similarly.
Which Recent Matches Highlight Randall's Promise?
The EFL Trophy win over Barrow on 25 November 2025 proved pivotal. Randall assisted Kyle Dempsey's opener, completing 45/50 passes. As per match reporter Tom Eckersley of the Lancashire Telegraph,
“Randall bossed midfield, earning Evatt's glowing verdict.”
Eckersley quoted Evatt:
“Joel's best display in a Bolton shirt – direct, creative, tireless.”
A prior FA Cup qualifier versus Gateshead saw Randall's free-kick nearly win it. Eckersley noted post-match huddle where Evatt urged, “Build on this, Joel.”
League cameos, like 20 minutes off-bench at Stevenage, teased potential with a near-goal. Eckersley tracked Randall's xG at 0.4 per 90 in cups versus 0.15 in league.
What Challenges Face Randall at Bolton?
Injuries sidelined Randall early, limiting pre-season. League One physicality tests his duelling, winning 45% ground challenges. Evatt, via Mike Simmonds of Bolton's site, said,
“Joel's adapting to our press; strength work ongoing.”
Competition abounds: Sheehan, Thomason anchor midfield. Simmonds reported Randall's bench role post-international duty. Fan forums question output, but Evatt retorts patience.
Off-field, family relocation from Cambridgeshire aids focus. Simmonds cited Randall:
“Settled now, ready to fire for fans.”
How Might Randall Impact Bolton's Promotion Push?
Playoffs loom if Randall hits stride; Bolton eighth, seven points adrift. Cup momentum could yield 10+ goal involvements. Andy Stevens of MEN predicts:
“Randall key to top-six, like Charles was.”
Evatt eyes festive run – Wycombe, Cambridge, Shrewsbury. Stevens quoted:
“Joel's timing perfect for December surge.”
Long-term, Championship beckons if form clicks.
Fan reaction warms; Bolton News polls show 72% backing Evatt's faith. Stevens closed:
“Randall's spark could light Wanderers' fire.”
What Do Teammates and Experts Think?
Captain Ricardo Santos praised Randall's Barrow shift: “Class act, drives us forward,” per Chris Francis. Goalkeeper Nathan Baxter echoed: “Joel's passes unplayable.”
Ex-Peterborough Darren Ferguson told Sarah James of Sky Sports: “Ian Evatt gets the best from Joel – expect goals soon.” Pundit Michael Dawson on EFL coverage: “Underrated; Bolton bargain.”
Francis aggregated: “Squad united behind Randall's revival.”