The Brett Ormerod column: Surreal that Bolton and Barrow are in same league ... and a fantastic move for Ian Evatt

As I’ve said before, he performed wonders at Barrow to get them promoted. To get the club back into the Football League after all these years is a massive achievement.

When you do things like that, other clubs are going to be taking note and that’s exactly what’s happened, so I’m not surprised at all.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for him because Bolton is a big club, especially in League Two, where they’ll be next season.

It’s a step-up for him in terms of the size of the club, the number of fans and training facilities.

But I must say, it’s surreal to say Bolton and Barrow will be in the same league. It just shows you how far they’ve come and how far Bolton have declined in recent years.

But when you talk about the infrastructure of a football club, Bolton are a lot bigger than Barrow, so to be given an opportunity as a young English manager is a fantastic achievement for him and one he fully deserves.

Given the size of Bolton, there might be a bit of added pressure but that comes with the territory. That’s football in general, no matter what level you play at.

It’s a challenge but one he’ll be looking forward to. Financially, Bolton have been the worse for wear in recent years but for Ian to have an opportunity to manage such a big club with a wonderful history is all credit to him. I wish him all the best and I hope it goes really well.

My old mate David Dunn is among the favourites for the vacant Barrow job but I’m not too sure about that one.

I spoke to Dunny before he joined Blackpool as first-team coach, and even when he took over as caretaker I’m not too sure he ever had any interest in the manager’s job. He enjoys the coaching side of it.

I’ve heard a few names linked with Barrow, so I wouldn’t be putting a bet on any time soon, that’s for sure.

The big news in the world of football last week was Wigan Athletic going into administration, which left me absolutely stunned. I couldn’t believe it.

I have a few friends who are Wigan fans and they’re absolutely mortified. Something’s not right there at all.

The takeover only happened a month ago, so who knows what’s happened? Whether the rumours are true or not, I don’t know, but the EFL need to be looking at themselves.

Aren’t they supposed to vet potential buyers? Are regulations not meant to be in place to secure these clubs? Some big questions need asking.

Wigan are a great club. They were FA Cup winners not too long ago. For them to go into administration was a shocker, especially as there were no warning signs. It came right out of the blue.

I just hope the administrators can find a new buyer as soon as possible.

I’ve said all along football clubs should be treated like listed buildings.

Just because an owner is in charge of the club doesn’t mean they can do whatever they like.

A lot of these clubs have been around for hundreds of years, so they need to be protected.

You just have to look at the guy who came to Hull City and tried to rename the club to ‘Tigers’. It shouldn’t happen.

Just because you own a football club doesn’t give you the right to rip up the club’s history and heritage and do as you please.

Clubs have massive traditions and fanbases that need protecting.

I’ve done some radio commentary recently since the return of English football and I must admit the experience has been a bit bizarre.

With the teams coming out to total silence and things like that, it was just eerie. It’s like watching a reserve game.

I’m not a huge fan but it’s what has to be done to get the season finished. But personally, I want the season to end and get back to normal as soon as possible with the crowds back in.

One positive from all of this is that it will show owners and chairmen just how important the fans are.

They can’t be taken for granted because they’re the life embodiment of football. Without them it just feels strange.

The atmosphere and everything surrounding it is a massive part of the game.

On a Blackpool note, I was surprised to see the recent news about Jay Spearing leaving the club.

I would have thought with Neil Critchley coming in from Liverpool that Jay would have played a major role next season.

But it’s football, it happens. So best of luck to him. He’s been a very good servant to the club and a very reliable player – seven or eight out of 10 most weeks.