Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt makes a ‘veiled dig’ at League One rivals when discussing the amount of money being spent.
He says that the Trotters will not accommodate transfer targets who are ‘financially motivated’, in a strong message aiming to enhance the quality of his squad.
As per Marc Iles, Evatt is being backed with the largest transfer budget he’s had throughout his four year stint with the club.
But it seems despite this and substantial offers being made, he’s having a tough time trying to bring several players in the last few weeks, frustrated at seemingly being outbid by Championship and League One sides, which has affecting their progress going forward with the new season getting underway next week.
Asked Ian Evatt about ‘selling’ Bolton Wanderers to his top targets this summer and he believes the club makes a strong case… Provided it’s about football, not just money. Strong stuff.https://t.co/g099TjNvti #bwfc
— Marc Iles (@MarcIles) August 2, 2024
Hes very clearly talking about Birmingham who have spent almost 15m in fees.
— Matt (@msth_19) August 2, 2024
He said to The Bolton News: “Every player has a value, and this summer the board have given us everything we would require, they have been absolutely amazing,” he said.
“Our values and processes remain the same, even though we can spend more and have offered more – and I have told you we have offered some big transfer fees and contracts out there – unfortunately other clubs can still offer more.
“That is not just in the Championship, it is at our level as well. There are a couple of anomalies, and I don’t need to name names, but they have spent money I didn’t think I’d ever see spent in League One.
“You are up against that but if people are making a football decision, we are in a really strong place. This football club has rich history, an unbelievable fanbase, brilliant stadium, an aesthetically pleasing way of playing, an ideology players enjoy, there is a lot going for us.
“If that decision becomes financial, they are probably not the right player for us, that’s the way I see it. We want players here who want to be here for football reasons, to get this club back to where it belongs, not for financial benefit.
“We are always fair in the market, and we will offer what we think people deserve, or even at the top end of that. We won’t be held to ransom, though, and if it becomes a financial decision and not a footballing one, then they are probably not right for us.”
Bolton have meanwhile confirmed the signing of exciting Hungarian wing-back Szabolcs Schön on an initial three-year deal – subject to international clearance.
But there is concern that they could miss out on the likes of John McAtee and Karamoko Dembele, knowing they will have to try and beat rival bidders fighting for their signature.
‘7 of the top 10 biggest fees in League One’ – Birmingham’s transfer business gets fans talking
This is what fans are saying as Ian Evatt makes a ‘veiled dig’ at League One rivals when discussing money being spent…
@bwfctalk: Birmingham and Wrexham spring to mind
@fearlessidzine: “There are a couple of anomalies, and I don’t need to name names, but they have spent money I didn’t think I’d ever see spent in League One.” Those people leaping to the assumption this is aimed at #WxmAFC are the same turning a blind eye to Birmingham’s eye-watering spending.
@danny_hambleton: Well that’s alright then let them go to our promotion rivals instead
@phoward1974: I do get what Ian is saying. But… football is a very short career. Especially when the players we go for will never achieve the salaries offered in the Premier league. More often than not, you get what you pay for, too.
@drac_uk: Starting to look like the Xmas when we desperately need a striker and ended up with adeboyejo. Going to end up with a couple of over priced panic buys. Maybe better saving our money for next season #bwfc
@drac_uk: Ultimately this should have been sussed out weeks ago. Instead, we have wasted most of the summer chasing players we can’t get and are left with a side that won’t finish top 2. Going to be a long season
@loftys10_09: If mcatee would rather join Wrexham for the extra cash than a team literally on his doorstep with twice the stadium and fan base then he’s not the right person for us and we move on despite how frustrating it is!!
@MongolianManc: Mcatee may choose Wrexham as he’d be the main man there, and they may offer more wages? Any update on that bid? #bwfc
@filmandbwfc: Absolutely stinks of McAtee to Wrexham #bwfc
@__Matty10: Don’t think Wrexham have spent that much. Could be Huddersfield after we were linked with Antony Evans. Be paying Herbie Kane a decent wage too
@filmandbwfc: Very true, definitely saw McAtee linked with Wrexham though if I’m not mistaken? Would imagine that would be their “marquee” signing so would throw ££ at it
@StattoWrexham: I think he is on about Birmingham City and Stockport County here.
@CameronJeromeFC: Bring in McAtee and Armstrong now then happy days, I know it’s not going to happen but we can dream. Dembele will 1000% get a championship move #bwfc
@garysjackson: Hopefully they’ve reached their glass ceiling. Their history shows they’ll never match the two bigger Welsh clubs never mind the premier leagues big boys. League one and two clubs should leave them to it and not gamble with their own futures.
@csuch63801: keep hearing mcatee to wrexham. hope that isn’t true, if evatt can pull that one off then he’s done very well
@NigelXXX5: McAtee will go to Wrexham
Mark Sixsmith: It’s a job. Everyone works to get paid. If another company offered you more to do the same job you’d take it
Nick Parton: Be a really rough league this season. A dozen teams with in a shout of play offs and autos
Ian Hall: Way of the world unfortunately, hopefully get some in to stay long term and also attract some with a view on long term and shop windowing themselves while we earn something from selling them on. This is where I believe we are really. Not happy with just getting loans anymore need to build something.
Mark Sixsmith: In other words we have no money
David Martindale: Looks like mid table then
@__Matty10: Not sure Wrexham are one of them. Don’t think they’ve spent that much this summer. Could be Huddersfield with Evans and Herbie Kane
@PhilipShortland: Big contracts though – reputedly?
@__Matty10: Can’t see anyone they’ve signed being on that much. No standout names really. Stockport probably been more ambitious so far
What do you reckon with money left in the bank? pic.twitter.com/GStbPywX7N
— Philip Shortland (@PhilipShortland) August 2, 2024
Certainly a heavy hint from Evatt that Bolton, who have been amongst the top spenders in third division, can no longer compete with two clubs in particular. The SCMP has failed, what next, salary caps? https://t.co/zPR6aTkDEr
— Philip Shortland (@PhilipShortland) August 2, 2024

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