Bolton chair Brittan backs Evatt despite form

Sharon Brittan was part of Football Ventures' takeover of Bolton Wanderers in 2019

Bolton Wanderers chairwoman Sharon Brittan has pledged her support to boss Ian Evatt despite the club's inconsistent 2024-25 League One campaign.

The 43-year-old led Bolton to promotion from League Two in his first season, but they are currently in their fourth successive campaign in the third tier having missed out on automatic promotion last term and were later well beaten in the League One play-off final by Oxford United.

Evatt previously said he had the backing of the board following a poor start to this season but they are currently eighth in the table and well off the pace at the top of the table.

"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," Brittan said.

"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.

"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."

Wanderers had been as low as fourth from bottom in League One in September despite being one of the favourites for promotion this term.

Saturday's dispiriting 2-0 home defeat by near-neighbours Wigan Athletic - a result which extended the Latics' undefeated run against Bolton to nine years and nine games - meant Evatt's side lost further ground on a play-off place heading towards the midway point of the season.

"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," Brittan added.

"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."