Bolton Wanderers have confirmed that long-serving manager Ian Evatt has left the club “by mutual consent” after the Whites were dealt their latest defeat, losing 2-1 at home to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.
Bolton, who are one of seven former Premier League clubs in League One, are currently ninth in the table and 16 points off of the automatic promotion spots. Evatt led the Trotters to third place last season but they were subject to a shock defeat in the play-off final against Oxford United.
Following the decision, Bolton are now the eighth club in League One this season to have experienced a managerial departure.
In an official club statement, Bolton said: “Bolton Wanderers today announces that first team Manager Ian Evatt has left the club by mutual consent.
“Ian joined Bolton Wanderers in July 2020 with the team at one of its lowest ebbs following relegation to League Two and went on to enjoy an outstanding tenure in charge to deliver some of the high points of the club’s recent history.
“Ian leaves with a win ratio of 50 per cent – one of the highest in the club’s history – and having created more historic moments, including the Whites’ biggest-ever league win at the Toughsheet Community Stadium thanks to a 7-0 win over Exeter City in November 2023.
“The Board of Directors would like to express its gratitude to Ian for his professionalism, commitment and creating a legacy during his time at Bolton Wanderers.
“Bolton Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan said: ‘Ian arrived at a challenging time for Bolton Wanderers and his dedication to rebuilding both on and off the pitch has been commendable. He instilled a renewed sense of professionalism and purpose, and we are grateful for his significant contributions during his four and a half years at the helm.
‘He has been a pleasure to work with and I personally thank him for his hard work and passion for this club. He has created a tremendous legacy and will always be remembered for the successes he has brought. We wish him nothing but success in the future.
‘The board are committed to finding the right candidate to lead Bolton Wanderers forward.’
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“Ian said: ‘I’ve absolutely loved my time here at Bolton Wanderers Football Club. Working with Sharon and Nick (Luckock) has been a pleasure, and I’ve been superbly backed along the way by my team of staff and the players.
‘There comes a point in football when a change needs to happen and the last thing I want is to damage what we have all built together.
‘I believe the club is still well placed to achieve its goals this season, and I want to give the Board and players the best chance of doing that.
‘I am very grateful for everybody’s support and to be the manager of this wonderful football club has been the greatest honour of my career. To our fans, thank you for the support you have shown me and my staff.
‘Together we have created some very special memories and I will always be a fan of this amazing football club.”
‘An announcement regarding the interim management will be made in due course.’
Bristol Rovers are yet to face Bolton this season after their meeting at the Mem scheduled for December 9 was postponed due to safety concerns amid Storm Darragh. That clash has been rearranged for March 11 while Rovers are due to head to the Toughsheet Stadium on April 5.