Former Boss Colin Todd Backs Ian Evatt to Overcome Play-Off Setback
Ian Evatt has received strong support from former Bolton Wanderers manager Colin Todd to address and rectify the team’s recent play-off final defeat. Todd, who experienced a similar heartbreak 25 years ago when his team lost to Watford at Wembley, empathizes with Evatt’s situation.
Following Bolton’s 2-0 loss to Oxford United, Evatt has faced significant criticism. However, Todd believes Evatt is already formulating a strategy to make necessary changes and ensure promotion to the Championship next season.
Speaking to The Bolton News, Todd said, “I’m sure the result will have hurt him, but when you are in his position, you have to move on, put it behind you, and plan for what’s ahead. Expectations from supporters are very high when you get to a final, and you just hope you can get over the line in 90 minutes, but it wasn’t to be.”
Todd highlighted that Evatt will likely be sitting down with his staff and the chairman to identify areas for improvement. He emphasized the importance of evaluating financial resources and assessing which players have the desire and mental toughness for the challenge ahead.
“I don’t think there is a psychological hangover for the manager. I think his resolve will be pretty tough, and at the end of the day, it was a good season. Disappointment is one thing, but where they have come from as a club is pretty remarkable. You have to congratulate Ian on the job he has done; there won’t be criticism from me, only disappointment that they couldn’t win that final,” Todd added.
Reflecting on his own Wembley defeat in 1999, Todd recalled the pain of seeing a talented squad, including players like Eidur Gudjohnsen and Claus Jensen, fail to perform on the big day. He noted that big occasions can affect some players and that Evatt would need to identify and address any similar issues within his squad.
Todd is confident that Evatt can overcome this setback and lead Bolton to a successful campaign next season, emphasizing the need for a strong resolve and a well-thought-out plan. “There will be some big questions being asked at the moment. Why haven’t they done it on the big occasion? Are there a few who haven’t quite got what it takes? That will be what Ian is doing now. But he can come back stronger, I am sure of it.”
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