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Saturday’s trip to Accrington Stanley sees Wanderers forward Dion Charles return to the club where he made a name for himself.
Charles joined the Reds from Southport in the summer of 2019 and has come a long way over the past few years.
He is now a Northern Irish international and has become an important member of Ian Evatt’s squad since making the move to the UniBol during the January transfer window.
However, Charles’ time in East Lancashire didn’t end the way he would have hoped. The forward found himself isolated from the first-team picture, and his international career also suffered due to a lack of playing time.
He arrived at Bolton with a point to prove and hit the ground running, scoring six times in his first 11 appearances for the club.
The 27-year-old had a frustrating start to the current campaign due to injury but has shown some encouraging signs, including a brilliant display against Premier League outfit Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.
It has been a tough few weeks for all of the Whites’ forward players, having failed to score in their last three league matches.
Tuesday night’s 3-0 win against Leeds United Under-21s in the Papa Johns Trophy came at a welcome time, with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Amadou Bakayoko and Kieran Sadlier getting on the scoresheet.
While Charles was not involved against the Leeds youngsters, Ian Evatt hopes a return to the Wham Stadium will act as a catalyst for his season and help the Northern Ireland man rediscover his ruthless streak in front of goal.
When asked if the occasion will phase the strike, Evatt told The Bolton News: “It shouldn’t do. For all of us, I think we have all got something to prove on Saturday.
“I think it is a wonderful opportunity to go out there and lay a few ghosts to rest and for Dion to go back there and show them what they are missing.
“He has had a lean spell in front of goal other than penalties. He has had the chances, but there is no better place for him personally to go out there and take his chance on Saturday.”
Even on the occasions Charles has failed to hit the net, he has played an important role in Wanderers’ system, pressing from the front and causing defenders problems with his relentless work ethic.
“He plays with a chip on his shoulder and an edge. That is what he is and how he plays, and I wouldn’t want to take that away from him,” Evatt added.
“Everyone deals with situations differently and whatever motivates you is fine by me. That can be anything - it can negative press, the way you have been treated, money, cars, fame. Whatever that may be, great.
“Just make sure that you are highly motivated and you do the job to the best of your ability.
“Football is a wonderful game, it always gives you opportunities. And Saturday is a fantastic opportunity for us all to go out there and show what we can do.”
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