Bolton news: Ian Evatt steps down as manager with Steven Schumacher favourite for the job
Ian Evatt has parted company with Bolton Wanderers after Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic.
Evatt had been in charge of the Wanderers since 2020 after the club’s relegation to League Two.
The former Barrow boss led Bolton to promotion in his first full season as manager, finishing in third place after a difficult start to the season.
Evatt departs after emergency board meeting
In 2023, he led the side to victory over Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Trophy final before losing 2-0 to Oxford United in the League One play-off final in the 2023/24 campaign.
Bolton sit ninth in the league table, three points off the play-offs, with just two wins in their last nine matches.
In a statement on the club’s website, Evatt said: “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.”
BBC Radio Manchester reported that a decision was made during an emergency board meeting after the home loss on Tuesday night.
Trotters fans have been calling for Evatt to be sacked after the recent poor run of form.
At the weekend, as the 43-year-old headed for the tunnel whilst his side trailed 2-1 against Cambridge United, Evatt responded to boos from the home support by telling them to “f*** off”.
Schumacher in the running for vacant Wanderers post
He has since apologised for his outburst but the Bolton hierarchy had had enough as they now look to target former Plymouth and Stoke City manager Steven Schumacher.
The 40-year-old was sacked by the Potters back in September after three defeats in his first five league games of the season.
Schumacher arrived at Stoke having left Argyle halfway through the 2023/24 league campaign.
The English coach led the Pilgrims to promotion to the Championship after 13 years away from the second tier of English football back in 2023.
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