Football Season Guide

Ian Evatt oversaw one of the most remarkable transformations in many a season as Bolton Wanderers went from also-rans to celebrate promotion from League Two. 2020 was a miserable year for the Trotters, with victories seemingly self-isolating with the rest of the country, as the Covid-19 pandemic raged on. 2021 has been almost a role-reversal, on the pitch at least, and Evatt taking control of player recruitment seems to have been key. The side that won promotion in May was quite different to the one that started in January and the one which kicks off the new season in August will be different again. Evatt has already made over a dozen new additions and his recruitment drive is unlikely to be finished just yet. Joel Dixon is set to take over between the sticks after signing from Barrow whilst George Johnston and Will Aimson could form a new central defensive partnership. It would be incredibly harsh on Alex Baptiste and Ricardo Almeida Santos, who were superb in the second half of last season but Evatt clearly is a hard task-master. Josh Sheehan is in line to become the new midfield playmaker following an outstanding campaign with Newport County. It highlights an embarrassment of riches with Antoni Sarcevic expected to challenge him for the No.10 role. Eoin Doyle will again lead the line and 20 goals will be his target. Despite their recent fall from grace, the club have big ambitions and have backed their manager this summer. They have momentum and are in hurry to get back into the Championship.