Ian Evatt has committed his immediate future to Bolton Wanderers by signing a brand new three-year deal, the club is delighted to report.
The Wanderers manager, who was appointed in July 2020 after steering Barrow into the Football League for the first time in 40 years, led the club to promotion in his first season at the University of Bolton Stadium as the Whites bounced straight back into Sky Bet League One at the first time of asking.
Under his guidance, the team went on a remarkable run which saw them climb from 20th place in the table at the beginning of February to finish in the third and final automatic promotion spot on the final day of the season.
Speaking about his new deal, the former Blackpool and Chesterfield defender said: “The fans have welcomed me and my staff from day one and have themselves shown tremendous loyalty to the club by not only offering us total support throughout the season, even though they haven’t been able to watch us in person, but also by renewing in droves for next season.
“They are a special set of fans so why would I not want to show my commitment to them?
“I am very confident in what I and my staff can bring to this football club and what we achieved last season is only the beginning – there is much more to come.
“I also have to thank my chairman Sharon Brittan and the Board for the faith they have shown in me and my staff. We have an excellent relationship and share the same goal: to get Bolton Wanderers back to where it belongs.
“I am an ambitious manager but I know that Bolton Wanderers with its history, its standing within the community and, most importantly, its fan base is also ambitious. This is the perfect club for me.
“It’s a shame that we’ve not been able to welcome fans into the University of Bolton Stadium since the pandemic, but I cannot wait to meet them and show my gratitude for their support.
“Over 5,000 supporters have already renewed ahead of the early purchase deadline next week, which is amazing and now that I’ve ‘signed up’ for next season I hope many more supporters join our journey by purchasing season tickets for what will be another exciting season!”
Chairman Sharon Brittan added: “From the moment I first met Ian I was left in no doubt about the qualities he would bring to Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
“His passion, drive and determination have not only brought success on the pitch but the manner in which he represents the values of Bolton Wanderers off it is endearing to everybody connected with the club.
“Credit must also go to his coaching staff who work cohesively and seamlessly as the ‘team behind the team.’
“On behalf of the Board I am delighted that Ian has committed his immediate future to the club.
“This is only the beginning of what will be an exciting journey for all our supporters, whose unwavering loyalty to the club has been a key ingredient in our success.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those season ticket holders who have already renewed for next season and I cannot wait to welcome you all back to the University of Bolton Stadium for our Sky Bet League One campaign.”
Over 5,000 Bolton Wanderers supporters have already renewed their season tickets for next season as Ian Evatt’s men get set for Sky Bet League One. Renew before the Early Purchase Deadline on Sunday 6 June and you will pay less than you did for the 2020/21 campaign. Click here for more information and renew today.