Bolton Chairwoman Brittan Affirms Support for Manager Evatt Amidst Mixed Season

Sharon Brittan, who was involved in Football Ventures’ acquisition of Bolton Wanderers in 2019, has confirmed her continued backing for manager Ian Evatt, even as the club experiences an inconsistent 2024-25 League One season. Evatt, aged 43, guided Bolton to promotion from League Two during his inaugural season. However, the team is now in its fourth consecutive season in the third tier, having failed to secure automatic promotion last season and subsequently suffering a significant defeat to Oxford United in the League One play-off final. Earlier this season, Evatt had indicated he retained the board’s support after a difficult beginning. The team currently occupies eighth place in the league standings, significantly trailing the leading positions. Brittan stated, “As a board, we are not afraid to ask tough questions and challenge appropriately to ensure that we’re all playing our part to move this club forward.” She added, “While some results this season have been unfavourable, we remain very much in contention for promotion. I truly believe in the progress we are making and remain confident in Ian’s leadership.” Brittan further commented, “His passion and vision for this club, along with the wider team of talented people at Bolton Wanderers, drive our shared commitment to take this club to the next level.” Despite being considered one of the promotion favorites this season, Wanderers found themselves as low as fourth from bottom in League One during September. A disappointing 2-0 home loss to local rivals Wigan Athletic on Saturday, which prolonged the Latics’ unbeaten streak against Bolton to nine years and nine matches, caused Evatt’s team to fall further behind in the race for a play-off spot as the season approaches its halfway mark. Brittan further stated, “I met with Ian and his staff and all the players last week and they are a special group of people who are fully committed to this football club and understand the task in hand this season; that we need to progress again.” She concluded, “I think both loyalty and continuity bring long-term success and that is our model which I do believe is different from others. It definitely brings frustrations at times but getting to the top is never easy.”