Home
Ian Evatt says Wanderers have a “target on their backs” heading into the business end of the campaign.
Spirits are high after a memorable victory in front of nearly 80,000 fans at Wembley in the Papa Johns Trophy final.
Evatt admits they will now be viewed as a “scalp” by opposition teams but insists it is something they should embrace.
“The performance on Sunday was absolutely brilliant, magnificent,” he said. “But what we have done now is put a huge target on our backs, which is great as well.
“We have to embrace that because we have earned it. But we are going to have to replicate that performance eight more times at least and see where we are.
“Obviously, there are no hidden secrets now. Everybody knows what we are about and we have to go ahead and replicate it.”
Evatt has already had plenty of success in his short managerial career but admits winning at Wembley is right at the top of his list.
“The day itself ranks as number one,” he added. “We have had some brilliant achievements – getting promoted at the first time of asking in a salary cap was pretty special, even though there were no fans here to witness it.
“Getting promoted with Barrow out of the Football League for the first time in 50-odd years was also pretty special.
“But what made this the most special was just the connection with the fans and seeing what it did for so many.
“People have spent fortunes to go to Wembley. I know first-hand how expensive it is, and how difficult the world is at the moment with finances.
“For people to go out on a limb to get down there and witness up play that way, and the performance we managed to give them, it was exceptional.
“There have been some wonderful stories and some wonderful messages, and hopefully we can replicate that all over again.”
The Bolton boss joined a select list of managers who have led the club to victory at the national stadium.
“For me, it is just about delivering,” he explained. “If that means that I get into the history books and a small piece of this club’s brilliant history, then great. But it isn’t all about me.
“The players have had to perform that way. They are coachable every day, they are hungry to take on new information.
“I have a wonderful team behind me. Peter (Atherton), Matt (Gilks), Sam (Hird), Lewis (Duckmanton), Matt (Barrass), the physio department – I could go through them all. They all work extremely hard to make this football club a success.
“And we have got the backing of Sharon (Brittan), the board and Neil (Hart) as well. Chris Markham also had a huge part to play.
“As much as I am the face and the decision-maker, there are still lots of little components to making us a success and it is great for everybody that days like that can really be enjoyed.”
Source