Ian Evatt makes feeling clear ahead of Bolton Wanderers reunion with Blackpool
Blackpool boss Ian Evatt returns to his former club Bolton Wanderers this weekend.
Ian Evatt states he holds no ill feelings toward his former club Bolton Wanderers as Blackpool prepare to make the short trip to the Toughsheet Community Stadium this weekend.
The 44-year-old spent four-and-a-half years with the Trotters, serving as their manager between 2020 and 2025.
He took over the role on the back of winning the National League with Barrow, and guided Bolton to promotion as well, after finishing third in League Two in his first season in charge.
The former Seasiders defender also came close to reaching the Championship, but missed out on a place in the second tier after being defeated 2-0 by Oxford United in the 2024 League One play-off final.
There was success for Evatt at Wembley with the Wanderers, as they claimed a 4-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle 13 months prior to lift the EFL Trophy.
The two parties went their separate ways last January, with the now-Blackpool boss taking over at Bloomfield Road back in October following a break from management.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s meeting with Bolton, Evatt said: “Obviously this is a game that matters to me personally - there’s no point me saying it doesn’t. That doesn’t mean to say there’s any ill feeling there, I want to win every football match we compete in.
“I was there for four-and-a-half years, watching the games back doing our analysis work feels a little bit strange, but I’m now the head coach of this football club, and it means the absolute world to me.
“It’d mean the absolute world to me to get three points on Saturday; not because of who the opponent is, but because of what it means to us moving forwards. That’s where my focus is.”
Blackpool boss shares praise for Bolton hierarchy
Evatt admits it will be strange walking through the doors at the Toughsheet Community Stadium for the first time since his departure as a visiting coach.
“I remember making that away changing room as horrible as I could, I think we blanked up all the plug sockets to try and make it awkward for the opposition,” he joked.
“When I go there, it’s business. I’m a professional that wants to win on any given matchday.
“It was disappointing (at the end of his time with Bolton) in terms of we weren't where we wanted to be.
“I’ve got no ill feelings towards anyone there, there’s a lot of wonderful people there. Sharon (Brittan) is fantastic. The supporters were great to me for four-and-a-half years.
“It didn’t end how we wanted but nothing lasts forever. I can come away, look at my record there and be very proud.
“Now it’s time to move on, and get the job done here. There's a long way of this season still to go, but then we can start building for the future.”
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