"Should’ve changed in May" - Key Bolton Wanderers figure slammed after Ian Evatt statement | OneFootball

FLW's Bolton Wanderers fan pundit has given his verdict on the club's decision to publicly back Ian Evatt

Bolton Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan has confirmed the club's commitment to manager Ian Evatt amid growing pressure over his position, which has prompted an angry response from some sections of supporters.

The 43-year-old has been with the Trotters since July 2020 after his move from Barrow, and has overseen Wanderers' rise from League Two, with the Greater Manchester outfit reaching the League One play-off final last season.

However, defeat to Oxford United and an underwhelming start to the current campaign have seen his position become a topic of debate among supporters.

Despite the increasing sentiment that he should depart, chairman Brittan released a statement reaffirming their commitment to Evatt as manager.

Brutal Ian Evatt, Sharon Brittan verdict issued by Bolton Wanderers fan pundit

When asked about the club’s decision to publicly back Evatt, FLW’s Bolton fan pundit Liam O'Meara highlighted the ownership’s lack of communication prior to this statement.

He believes that a change in manager should’ve been made in May following defeat at Wembley in the play-off final, and is unhappy with the drop-off in communication from boardroom level towards the fanbase.

“People wanted clarity from the owners, who have been relatively quiet since what happened at Wembley,” O’Meara told Football League World.

“Previously to that they were quite vocal, quite well-communicated with the fans, but there’s very much been a shift towards less communication and I think that’s wound up a lot of the fans this season.

“In terms of Ian Evatt, he has lost support of a lot of the fanbase, who don’t dislike him because they can see ultimately his time at Bolton has been successful.

“But, ultimately, he hasn’t got over the line in League One and there’s been very little change in how we’re playing, and it’s created this idea that there is a blueprint to beat us.

“He’s one of the longest-serving managers in the EFL now, sometimes a change is better than a rest, and my personal view is that we should’ve changed in May.”

While it may be easy to suggest now in hindsight, it may have been the best time to make a change in the dugout in the summer and let Evatt seek a new challenge.

Evatt has done fantastic work with the club over the last four years or so, but the loss to Oxford United now looks like the beginning of the end for this cycle.

The Trotters have made some changes behind the scenes since the Wembley defeat, as well as on the pitch, but perhaps a total refresh is needed, with new ideas from the dugout.

There is no shortage of potential managers that could come in and take over, with there still being plenty of time to salvage this season, so sticking with Evatt could prove quite a risky decision from the owners if things don’t improve soon.