Mixed feelings for Bolton Wanderers boss and Blackpool legend Ian Evatt ahead of the Seasiders' play-off campaign

But the Bolton Wanderers boss also concedes the prospect of facing his former side in League One next season would make for a memorable occasion.

It comes after the 39-year-old masterminded Bolton's automatic promotion back to the third tier earlier this month, a year on from their relegation.

It is the second successive promotion for Evatt, who won the National League title with Barrow during the 2019/20 campaign.

Evatt could well come up against his former side in League One next season, although the Seasiders are only three games away from a return to the Championship.

Neil Critchley's side take on Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium tonight in the first leg of their play-off semi-final, while the return leg takes place at Bloomfield Road on Friday.

The winner of the tie will face either Sunderland or Lincoln City in the final.

“First and foremost I hope they get promoted because I want that for them," Evatt told the Bolton News.

"If not, it’s great my team will be able to go there and play against them.

“There are big clubs, it’s a big division, but bring it on.

“Bolton Wanderers deserve to be a part of big games. That is what all the hard work is for, to play, to manage and to see a full house in those games."

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