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Ian Evatt has urged his Wanderers to make this a day to remember for a packed-out University of Bolton Stadium.
With more than 19,000 expected for the visit of Rotherham United, the Bolton boss is looking to put on a show for fans young and old on what will be the club’s first designated ‘Family Day’.
Ticket prices have been slashed to just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, which Evatt hopes will allow people who do not ordinarily get down to the game a chance to see his side in action.
Wanderers could go top of the table with the right set of results and after nearly a month without a traditional Saturday afternoon game at home, the excitement has built steadily around the town all week.
“Our fans have been excellent, home and way this season,” Evatt said.
“If we can get one or two who haven’t seen a game before, or someone who is maybe coming back, then come and see what we are doing, things have changed.
“The atmosphere at this football club is completely different and we want everyone to be a part of it.
“My goal as a manager here is to look around Bolton and not see kids wearing Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool or Everton shirts, just Bolton shirts.
“I want people to be proud of their club and have Afolayan, Sarcevic, Doyle – whoever it may be – on the back of that shirt because it is their hero.
“That is what we want to create, so if people can come along on Saturday and enjoy it then maybe we get a few more on the gate for the rest of the season.”
Rotherham will also bring around 1,500 to the UniBol, and have not won in Bolton since 1990 but Evatt believes they will be the stiffest challenge his side has faced thus far in League One.
The Millers’ direct and high-tempo style has seen them gain promotion in their last two seasons at this level and Evatt expects them to be contenders once again.
“We know how Rotherham will play, it is a style they have had for a while now and they play very much to their strengths – nothing wrong with that at all,” he said.
“Knowing what is coming is one thing, dealing with it is another, and I think we need to be focussed and switched on straight away for what I think will be our biggest test so far.”
Andy Tutte will be out of action for several weeks after tearing his hamstring in a reserve game on Tuesday but Evatt believes the experienced midfielder will get himself back into contention as soon as he is able.
“For now he needs to concentrate on himself, his wellbeing, and get himself fit again,” he said.
“He will be back around the team and the squad soon enough. Being the good professional that he is, we think a lot of him, he has been fantastic on and off the pitch since he came to the club.”
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