Key Points
- Ian Evatt, former Bolton Wanderers manager, was sacked in January 2025 after four-and-a-half years in charge.
- Evatt led the club from League Two to League One, won the EFL Trophy in 2023, and reached League One playoffs twice.
- Bolton Wanderers have struggled recently, falling to 9th in League One and missing promotion ambitions.
- Current manager Ian Evatt’s departure was by mutual consent, with the club expressing gratitude for his contributions.
- Bolton Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan praised Evatt’s professionalism and legacy.
- Defender Chris Forino apologised to fans after the club’s poor run, effectively ending play-off hopes.
- The team’s performance has been inconsistent, with a notable decline after a strong start to the season.
- The club is expected to strengthen its squad this week to improve results and meet expectations.
What Happened to Ian Evatt at Bolton Wanderers?
Ian Evatt’s tenure as Bolton Wanderers manager ended by mutual consent in January 2025, after four-and-a-half years at the helm, the club announced on social media and through official statements (ITV News, BBC Sport). Evatt had a significant impact during his time, leading the team from League Two to League One in his first season and securing the EFL Trophy in 2023, a first for the club in over 30 years (ITV News).
Despite these successes, recent struggles on the pitch led to his departure. Bolton had slipped to 9th place in League One, winning only two of their last nine league games and falling three points short of the playoff places (Fanbanter). The club’s board, including chairwoman Sharon Brittan, had supported Evatt publicly until the poor run of form and fan dissatisfaction increased pressure for change (Fanbanter, ITV News).
Brittan praised Evatt’s dedication and legacy:
“Ian arrived at a challenging time for Bolton Wanderers Football Club and his dedication to rebuilding both on and off the pitch has been commendable. He instilled a renewed sense of professionalism and purpose, and we are grateful for his significant contributions during his four and a half years at the helm” (ITV News).
Evatt himself expressed gratitude for his time at the club, highlighting the support from the board and his staff:
“I’ve absolutely loved my time here at Bolton Wanderers Football Club. Working with Sharon and Nick (Luckock) has been a pleasure, and I’ve been superbly backed along the way by my team of staff and the players” (ITV News).
How Has Bolton Wanderers’ Performance Been This Season?
Bolton Wanderers began the 2024-25 season with promise but have since experienced a severe downturn in form. After a strong spell in February and March, including three wins and a draw, the team has lost seven of nine matches, slipping to eighth place and nearly out of playoff contention due to a poor goal difference compared to rivals Leyton Orient and Reading (BBC Sport).
Defender Chris Forino openly apologised to the fans, acknowledging the team’s failure to meet expectations:
“I came here in the summer with the hope of achieving promotion. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. We can practice as much as we want and discuss matters in the locker room, but ultimately, what matters are the matches on Saturday and Tuesday, and we have let ourselves down. We’ve disappointed both managers and the fans this season” (BBC Sport).
The decline in results has been a source of frustration among supporters and analysts, who noted the team’s inability to maintain consistent form and build on the previous season’s playoff final appearance (Fanbanter).
What Are the Club’s Plans Moving Forward?
Following the managerial change, Bolton Wanderers are looking to strengthen their squad to improve results and meet the club’s promotion ambitions. The current manager expects to add new players this week to bolster the team’s chances (BBC Sport).
The club’s board has expressed commitment to finding the right leadership and building a squad capable of competing at a higher level (ITV News). The pressure of expectation remains high, with the team needing to adapt to the demands of League One and regain momentum to secure a playoff position (BBC Sport).
What Is the Fan and Media Reaction?
Fans have expressed disappointment over the recent poor performances and the loss of promotion hopes, with some calling for accountability from players and management (BBC Sport). The sacking of Ian Evatt was met with mixed reactions, recognising his past achievements but acknowledging the need for change given recent results (Fanbanter).
Journalists and commentators have highlighted Bolton’s struggles to recover from the playoff final defeat last season and the subsequent inconsistency in form (Fanbanter, ITV News). The club’s future now hinges on new signings and the ability of the current management to restore confidence and competitiveness.
What Legacy Did Ian Evatt Leave at Bolton Wanderers?
Ian Evatt’s legacy at Bolton Wanderers is marked by significant achievements and a period of stability. He guided the club from League Two to League One, secured the EFL Trophy in 2023, and led the team to consecutive playoff appearances (ITV News). His tenure is remembered for professionalism, commitment, and rebuilding the club’s identity both on and off the pitch (ITV News).
Despite the disappointing end to his time at the club, Evatt’s contributions have left a foundation for future success, and he remains respected by the club’s leadership and supporters (ITV News).
Bolton Wanderers now face a critical period as they seek to strengthen their squad and regain form to challenge for promotion in the remainder of the season. The club’s management and players will be under close scrutiny as they aim to meet the high expectations of their fans and stakeholders.