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Wanderers are under some pressure to make signings before this weekend’s visit to Carlisle United – with Ian Evatt admitting his squad is in desperate need of a booster.
The Whites have left it late in the January transfer window, and as the last week ticks over fans are yet to see a single incoming deal.
The need for new recruits took an urgent turn after Tuesday night’s 1-0 win against Cheltenham Town with Randell Williams ruled out for a month and news that George Thomason will be suspended for the next two league games after picking up a 10th booking of the season.
Kyle Dempsey has also picked up a muscular issue which may rule him out at Brunton Park, leaving Wanderers with just 16 senior players from which to select.
Blackburn Rovers striker Niall Ennis has been on the radar for most of the month, a promotion winner with Plymouth Argyle he is understood to have agreed to join on loan for the rest of the season in principle.
But Evatt has also hinted at new developments on the transfer scene and the potential for surprise and “exciting” deals that were not lined-up weeks ago.
The Bolton boss has already expanded his scope for new signings, with up to three new players now being sought. And after a taxing month of fixtures he believes bringing the right players in now could be hugely beneficial to the promotion push.
“I think we need to look hard at it now, speak about it, and make the right decisions for the club and the playing squad,” he told The Bolton News. “These injuries are not helping, and we need to freshen up a little bit, get some new life and blood into the group.
“We are not talking about big numbers here but two or three key signings which will help kick us on again.
“Psychologically it is important for everybody, not just for the players, me and the board, but for the fans as well.
“They love to see new players and hopefully that can lift everyone. The ones we are looking at will certainly do that and kick us on again.”
Carlos Mendes Gomes will be back in the UK today after international duty at the African Cup of Nations with Guinea Bissau.
He featured in all three group games despite suffering some mild illness during his time in the Ivory Coast, so it is hoped he will be fit enough to feature in some capacity when Wanderers head to Carlisle United this weekend.
Evatt also feels that holding on for a win against Cheltenham will give his team a mental lift, after disappointment in their previous away game at Leyton Orient.
“I think it is a result which will do them the world of good,” he said. “Sometimes you have to find a way to win, and it won’t always be playing attractive, flowing football as we’d like to.
“Cheltenham made it very difficult for us but we held on to the points and that is all that matters.
“We’re still in a great position, still above that two points per game, and in a good place.”
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