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Wanderers begin building towards a promotion push for next season by holding talks with their entire first team squad today.
Ian Evatt will meet with his players individually at the University of Bolton Stadium, informing some that their contract will not be renewed.
Eleven professionals are coming to the end of their current deal including Matt Gilks, Nathan Delfouneso, Andrew Tutte, Liam Edwards, Alex Baptiste, Liam Gordon, Adam Senior, Reiss Greenidge, Luke Hutchinson, Jay Fitzmartin and Finlay Lockett, and it is understood some of the younger players have already been informed if they are to stay on in the B Team programme next season.
Evatt, whose side clinched ninth spot in League One with a 4-2 win against Fleetwood Town on Saturday, brought on veteran defender Baptiste a few minutes before the final whistle for what could be his final appearance for the club.
The 36-year-old, a key figure in Bolton’s promotion from League Two last season, has now featured in 607 career games.
“He is hugely experienced but, honestly, it was nothing to do with sentiment,” Evatt said of his decision to send on the defender. “It was more about seeing the game out and winning, having the experience he provides to enable us to do that.
“He organises people around him and young George had some cramp, so Baps comes on and organises things, manages the game for us.
“He has been a huge player behind the scenes, a huge player on the pitch for us in the last couple of years and I can’t speak highly enough of Alex, he knows exactly what I think of him.”
Asked whether Baptiste had indicated whether Baptiste would be hanging up his boots at the end of the season, or remaining in the game, Evatt added: “We have all been focussed on the job and making sure we finish strongly.
“I will speak with every player on Monday – but I think he has far too much to offer this sport to walk away from it. We will see what discussions take place and what happens, but as a person his knowledge and his personality is excellent so he has a lot to offer this sport, going forwards.”
Evatt had similarly warm words for Matt Gilks, who is expected to confirm he playing retirement having moved fully into his role as goalkeeper coach.
Former Scotland international Gilks made his debut in 2001 for Rochdale and started this season as Bolton’s first choice.
“He will make his own announcements in due course,” Evatt added. “But this season has been a transitional one for him and he has fully transitioned into the coaching department. He is enjoying his side and a pleasure to be around every day.
“He is a big member of our staff now and someone I think the world of.”
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