Ian Evatt is delighted and grateful that his team will be backed by over 30,000 Wanderers’ fans when they look to win promotion, writes Pete Oliver.
Evatt takes his side to Wembley to face Oxford United in the League One play-off final on Saturday (KO 4.15pm).
And more than 30,000 Whites’ fans have already snapped up tickets to be there to support their team in their quest to reach the Championship.
“In a 10-day turn-around to take over 30,000 fans, in a cost-of-living crisis, to Wembley means absolutely everything to us,” said the Wanderers’ boss.
“It's unbelievable support and an unbelievable achievement to have that backing. All we want to do is go out and make them proud and if we can do that then everyone will have a good day.
“When I walk out on Saturday and see the white army there it makes everything worthwhile, all the hard work, the early mornings, the late nights.
“I will be immensely proud and I will take a look over and say ‘thank-you’ to everything and everyone but after that it's strictly business and we are there to win a game.”
Wanderers have already enjoyed one epic day at the national stadium under Evatt thanks to last season’s success in the EFL Trophy final when some 34,000 Bolton fans enjoyed a 4-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle.
And the build-up to this weekend’s return will follow a similar pattern as the Whites look to try and stage a repeat of that Wembley win to secure a second promotion in three years.
“We know the blueprint really of what we want to follow because of last year and what worked and what didn't,” added Evatt, a play-off winner as a player whose side will train in London on Friday before a scheduled visit to Wembley Stadium in the afternoon to reacquaint themselves with their surroundings.
“It’s a good experience for us. We know what works and we know that we've had success there, which is important for our confidence. But we are also humble enough to know that Oxford are going to have a plan and have a really hungry team to try and stop us and get the result for themselves.
“We're excited by it we're looking forward to it and our focus is where it needs to be, which is on the game and making sure we perform to the best of our ability. We can't guarantee a result of the back of that, but it gives us a great chance and that's where our focus has to be.
“It's the biggest game since I've been at the club, there's no denying that. There's been a lot of hard work, not just from myself but everybody; the players, my staff, Sharon (Brittan), the Board.
“Everybody has worked tirelessly to put us in a position to have this game and now for us it's about focusing on the game and giving ourselves the best chance. The best chance we can have is by playing well and we must make sure we go there and have no regrets.”
Follow our build-up to Wembley and the play-off final on the official club website, on Wanderers TV and across our social media channels throughout the week.