Home
Ian Evatt promises there is plenty to look forward to next season at Wanderers – promotion or not.
Though the Bolton boss and his players refuse to give up their chase of a play-off spot in the final eight games, he insists fans should not be downbeat if they fail to hit their target.
The Whites fate will be sealed in a pivotal week on their return from the international break, when they face Wigan Athletic away, followed by home games against Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday.
But if a top-six tilt proves beyond them, Evatt maintains there are plans in place for improvement in the summer transfer market and consolidation at the top end of the club, which will make them more financially competitive when they finally do make the step up to Championship level.
Speaking to The Bolton News, the Wanderers boss believes performances post-January have been an appetiser for the main course in store.
“Every team has ups and downs during the course of a season but since January I think we have shown that this team and this squad is going to be competitive,” he said.
“We have got another transfer window before next season starts and I guarantee we’ll be stronger again.
“I keep saying it but this is a club going places – there is no doubt about it.”
Dropped points against Morecambe and Plymouth put a dent in Bolton’s late-season charge but Evatt accepts there is a responsibility on himself and the players to give supporters a reason to come back next season.
“Those results were frustrating,” he said. “But the way we play, the brand, it is good to watch. I think it is exciting and I think people want to see it.
“Fans want to see us attack, dominate the ball with speed and tempo, and that is the team we are evolving into. People are happy to see it.
“We just have to keep being the best version of us and if we can keep doing that, I have no doubt that the fans will be on board and buy their tickets again for next season.”
More than 8,000 supporters have already signed on for next term, with one week remaining before the early deadline discounts expire.
That backing enabled Evatt to strengthen with the signing of seven new players in January – but the Bolton boss is under no illusion that to play in the division above, the club still has work to do on and off the pitch.
“I think we are heading on the right path,” he said. “Listen, we would have all loved to get back-to-back promotions, that would have been the absolute dream. But what we have done is build real solid foundations to continue progressing and moving forward.
“What we have to remember is it was a big enough step from League Two to the top of League One, that’s a big step. But to the Championship, you have to be ready. Are we ready at the moment? Maybe not, but we will be when we get there.
“There is still a lot of work happening behind the scenes still improving and developing the entire football club, not just the first team. There are things going to happen with the academy, the B team/under-23s – that decision still hasn’t been finalised. This club is heading in the right direction and I’m proud to be at the forefront of it.”
Source