Bolton Wanderers are set to appoint a new manager following weeks of talking to candidates who want the job role.
There have been many managers listed as favourites to become the new boss at the newly relegated club, but Bolton seem to finally have the man they wanted.
That is former footballer turned manager Ian Evatt, who most recently guided Barrow to the National League title.
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Five days ago, the chairman of Barrow, Paul Hornby, warned that the Trotters will need to pay “a massive amount of compensation” in one installment in order to appoint manager Ian Evatt as their new boss.
He also insisted that the four time FA Cup winners had not yet made an approach for their manager – but accepts there will come a time when he will have to depart.
Three days ago, it was understood that the Cumbrian club had rejected an offer from Bolton Wanderers for their manager.
The Bluebirds set a buy-out fee of £250,000 for the services of Evatt, who has two years left on his contract, and it was believed Bolton’s offer fell considerably short of that figure.
However, details emerged on Monday afternoon that a fee was agreed to bring Ian Evatt and Peter Atherton in from Barrow.
ABOUT IAN EVATT:
37 year old Evatt is a former Blackpool and Chesterfield defender who took over at Holker Street back in June 2018 and guided them to 10th place in the National League last season.
This campaign, which was cancelled, but results stood, saw them top of the league and four points ahead of second place Harrogate Town.
He was also caretaker manager at Chesterfield for the final three games of their time in the EFL and has impressed ever since.
Playing stats
1999–2003 – Derby County – 34 games (0 goals)
2001 → Northampton Town (loan) – 11 games (0 goals)
2003–2005 – Chesterfield – 84 games (9 goals)
2005–2007 – Queens Park Rangers – 27 games (0 goals)
2006–2007 → Blackpool (loan) – 26 games (0 goals)
2007–2013 – Blackpool – 204 games (9 goals)
2013–2018 – Chesterfield – 148 games (4 goals)
Total – 534 games (22 goals)
Teams managed
2018 – Chesterfield (caretaker) – 3 games, 1 win, 0 draws, 2 defeats – 33.3 win %
2018-2020 – Barrow – 90 games, 40 wins, 21 draws, 29 defeats – 44.4 win %
Fans reacted after learning that are Bolton Wanderers set to appoint their new manager…
— Theo (@Thogden) June 29, 2020
A lot of the initial recruitment was done by one of those backroom team members.
— Howard (@iBreezeblock) June 29, 2020
???same league!
— Owen Boothroyd (@OBoothroyd) June 29, 2020
Great news COYW
— little sam (@BallydehobWhite) June 29, 2020
Why does it take so long at bolton to do anything doesn’t matter who owns us it’s always the same and trying get to know anything it’s easier to get blood out of a stone come Bolton get it done
— Gareth Potter (@GarethPotter14) June 29, 2020
— Martin (@fowkes81) June 29, 2020
Looking forward to seeing the odd 24 pass move by a Bolton side. Because if non league players can be coached to play that way, then so can lower league players. Whatever happens we need to start the rebuild of our once great club.
— Steven Battersby (@SBBWFC) June 29, 2020
Please no
— Jack Hargreaves (@Jack_Hargreaves) June 29, 2020
Positive appointment, looking forward to seeing his stamp on the club next season
— Chris McKeown (@TheChrisMcKeown) June 29, 2020
Let’s hope we give him a chance before getting on his back
— Jon (@splatterz180) June 29, 2020
Disappointing that Ian Evatt is leaving Barrow for Bolton. Was really looking forward to seeing how they got on next season.
— Thomas (@MrTommyWilliams) June 29, 2020
There’s only one Ian Evatt! He used to be shite… but now he’s a white… walking in an Evatt wonderland ? #bwfc
— Kris (@BlackrodKris) June 29, 2020
Ian Evatt going to Bolton is a strange one for me, just got barrow into the football league, surely he would want a crack at that! I get Bolton are a big club for league 2 etc but surely he would want a go at it
— Matty (@mattypriv96) June 29, 2020
Reading more into Ian Evatt, he & Peter Atherton would be great appointments for #bwfc. Especially during the rebuild.
Both got Barrow promoted out of one of the toughest leagues out there on minimal funds. They look all-in on playing proper football & player development too.
— Matt Evans (@MattEvansCU) June 29, 2020
Huge gamble employing a manager who’s only had 1 season experience at non-league level
— JsyLatic (@jsylatic) June 29, 2020
Geezuz,stay at Barrow lad.
— MAN AT C&A (@LancashireRoyal) June 29, 2020
Welcome to your new home Ian Evatt! #bwfc pic.twitter.com/83tNCOA3rV
— Joe Green (@JoeGree47282963) June 29, 2020
Good luck Ian, you are going to need it!! ?????
— Dan Underwood (@PAFC9169) June 29, 2020
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