Ian Evatt: Bolton Wanderers expected to name Barrow boss as new manager
- Published
Ian Evatt played in the Premier League for Derby County and Blackpool
Bolton Wanderers are expected to name Barrow boss Ian Evatt as their new manager, reports BBC Radio Cumbria., external
His imminent exit comes two weeks after confirmation of Barrow's return to the English Football League after 48 years.
They were crowned National League champions earlier this month after the season was curtailed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bolton and Barrow will both play in League Two next season, after Wanderers were relegated from the third tier.
Evatt, 38, is set to succeed Keith Hill, whose exit was announced on 12 June.
Bolton were consigned to a second successive relegation when a majority of League One clubs voted to end the season early, with final places decided by a points-per-game formula.
After starting with a 12-point deduction as a result of going into administration, they ended the campaign bottom of the table with a total of 14 points from 34 matches.
Former Derby, Chesterfield and Blackpool defender Evatt was appointed into his first full-time managerial role by Barrow in the summer of 2018.
They finished 10th in his first season and then were four points clear at the top of the National League when the 2019-20 campaign was suspended in March.
It is understood that Evatt will be assisted at Bolton by his number two at Barrow, former Sheffield Wednesday defender Peter Atherton.
'Bolton fans could be in for a treat'
Analysis: Adam Johnson, BBC Radio Cumbria's Barrow reporter
It is disappointing as it is only two weeks since Barrow got promoted and we all thought Evatt would be the one to carry it on, as he was talking about aiming even higher.
It will bring to an end a fantastic two years at Holker Street. But he is passionate, he aims high and he is ambitious.
Bolton fans may have to be patient. For the first nine games last season, Barrow only picked up seven points, but he persisted with the style he believed in and he got his rewards.
It was an unbelievable standard for non-league football and, if he can emulate that at Bolton, their fans will be in for a treat.
Whoever takes the Barrow job will have at least 11 of last season's squad contracted, including all the key players such as John Rooney, and the club are looking to try to make last season's loan players permanent signings too.