Ian Evatt remains in talks with skipper Santos over contract extension

Ian Evatt says talks have continued with Wanderers captain Ricardo Santos over a contract extension.

The defender’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2023 and Evatt is keen to keep him at the club for the long-term.

Santos played a vital role in the Whites’ promotion from League Two last season and was handed the captain’s armband in October following Antoni Sarcevic’s move to Stockport.

He was given the club’s blessing to miss Tuesday night’s win against Lincoln to be present at the birth of his second son.

“I’ve had a chat with him about extending his contract,” said the Bolton boss.

“We think the world of him and we think he’s one of the ones in the squad who we’d find it extremely difficult to replace.

“You don’t see players with his attributes come around very often. He can run like the wind, he’s strong and he’s good with the ball. And he’s a fantastic guy.

“He’s enjoying his time here and it’s little things like Monday and Tuesday when his wife was in labour that we show him and his family support because they are away from home, they are away from London and they’re buying into this area.

“So we’ll talk to him and see where that can end up, but we want to keep him here as long as we possibly can.

Evatt is keen to build “a family environment” at Wanderers and insists they will offer support to players and their families where possible.

“We just think it’s the right thing to do. We have to remember these people who relocate and move away from their friends and family,” he added.

“The players, it’s hard enough for them but their wives, girlfriends, partners – they’re on their own.

“They have no attachment to the area at all. At least the players can come in and train with other players and become friends with them.

“It’s the wives, girlfriends and partners who are left very lonely so when we can offer them support, we will do.

“We’ll try to make them at home and obviously matchdays are a big part of that, getting it to feel like a family environment and getting them together so they can build relationships as well.

“It’s really important and it’s something that we want to do.”

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