Bolton Wanderers keep faith with Ian Evatt but change on way

Talks between the Bolton boss and the club board staff this weekend have concluded, with the decision pointing towards keeping the management structure intact for the time being.

Evatt took training today and is scheduled to be in the dugout against Reading but The Bolton News understands that a decision has been made to dispose of at least two roles in the coaching and analysis department.

No official announcement is expected in the short term, but it appears that Matt Craddock, who was promoted from B Team manager to the first team set up in November 2023, is among those who could leave the club in the coming days.

Craddock was initially brought in to manage the newly installed second string in 2021 following spells with Preston North End and with the Football Association. He replaced Sam Hird on a temporary basis at the start of last season and was handed the position full-time a few months later following an interview process, which involved Evatt.

Wanderers added to their coaching ranks again in the summer, bringing in Stephen Crainey from Wigan Athletic for a compensation fee.

It is not yet known whether any replacement staff will be sought.

Results and performances since the start of the season have fallen short of expectations, however, and the Whites dropped to fourth bottom in League One with a 4-0 home defeat against Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon, which prompted an emotional interview from the manager confirming he would consider his future as he sought talks with Sharon Brittan and other members of the ownership group.

Criticism from supporters has intensified after three successive defeats in the league this season with frustration also boiling over from the play-off final defeat in May against Oxford United at Wembley, and some inconsistent form from the turn of 2024.

Since January 1, Bolton have won 11, draw 10 and lost seven times, bringing an average total of 1.53 points per game.

Evatt said at the weekend that he would be seeking talks with the board to assess his own position at the club, which has come under some scrutiny after the poor start.

“We have built such a good reputation, we have had such good times, the last thing I want to do for this place, these fans and this football club is tarnish it,” he said. “And it is hard because I am emotional at the minute and I am trying to manage those emotions and I am not saying either way what is going to happen, I can’t tell you that, but I am certainly going to need some time to speak to people and see where we are at.”

Wanderers are also to trim at least one member of their analysis department, which has been gradually built over the last few seasons by Evatt and his sporting director, Chris Markham.

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