Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has acknowledged he may have made too many changes following last season’s play-off final defeat.
Evatt, whose side recently secured their second win of the season, admitted he is still learning from two failed play-off pushes. After back-to-back near misses, fans had high hopes for another promotion challenge, but the team has struggled to meet those expectations early on in the campaign.
The off-season changes were largely a reaction to Bolton’s 2-0 defeat to Oxford United in the League One play-off final. Two goals from Josh Murphy shattered Bolton’s hopes of returning to the Championship, leading Evatt to shift his tactical approach. Injuries during last season had impacted their play-off run more than the system itself, but Evatt responded by experimenting with new strategies. These adjustments contributed to a shaky start this term, including a heavy 4-0 loss to Huddersfield.
However, a return to their preferred 3-5-2 formation in a 5-2 win over Reading seems to have revived the team’s confidence. The players looked more at ease with a familiar system, and the victory has given Bolton some much-needed momentum.
Despite the convincing win against Reading, Evatt acknowledged that there is still plenty of work to be done, particularly in defence, where Bolton appeared vulnerable in the second half. The team’s attacking play was effective, but better defensive organisation will be key if they are to maintain their promotion push.
“The players love this system, they have been recruited for this system,” Evatt told The Bolton News. “You could see they were happier with some home comforts knowing jobs and what they had to do.
“We will improve too, it is a good starting point.”
With the squad still adjusting to the tactical shift, Evatt remains hopeful that the new signings will adapt quickly. He noted that the versatility of the players brought in over the summer should allow them to thrive in the 3-5-2 formation.
“We try to recruit players who are multi-functional,” he said.
“Everyone we signed was with an eye to still playing a 3-5-2 when we needed to so it shouldn’t really affect too many of them. There is nobody in our squad that can’t play either system.
“Obviously for some of the newer ones it is going to take a little extra time to get used to what we do but I thought there were some big performances out there, even the substitutes, the attitude was class.”
After a tough start to the season that has left Bolton 18th in the table, Evatt is optimistic that the recent victory can serve as a turning point.
Our View
Ian Evatt’s reflection on the changes made after the play-off loss demonstrates the pressure managers face to respond to key defeats. His decision to tweak the system and bring in new players was intended to address the failings at Wembley, but it may have disrupted the squad’s balance. His willingness to critique his decisions and revert to a more familiar formation shows a manager who is still learning and evolving.
The win over Reading indicates that Bolton are starting to regain confidence, particularly in attack. However, Evatt will need to fine-tune the defence if the team is to build momentum. With a return to their favoured formation and a renewed sense of purpose, Bolton could be back on track for another promotion push. If they can address their defensive issues and maintain fitness across the squad, there’s still plenty of time for them to turn the season around.
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