Ian Evatt wants to see 'progression' despite tough start

Wanderers boss Ian Evatt is keen to build on last weekend’s draw at Ipswich – but says promotions “aren’t built in August”.

Evatt’s men claimed a point against the Tractor Boys and now welcome Wycombe, who reached the play-off final last season, to the UniBol.

The Whites also have fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth coming up, but Evatt says the squad is “relishing” the challenge.

“We want to start really well but we also know that promotions and good seasons aren’t built in August,” said the Bolton boss.

“We want to really impose ourselves in this division and let everybody know that we are here to perform and do well.

“But it is a really tough start, probably as challenging as it gets to be honest, but one we are relishing and looking forward to.

“We feel we have got a good squad of players who are able to cope with these types of games so we will see.”

While Evatt is aiming to finish near the top end of League One this season, his short-term focus is on performances.

The Bolton chief reckons their initial set of fixtures will prove where they squad is at and hopes they can keep improving in the coming weeks.

He added: “Throw into that Port Vale, which is not a nice place to go and they have just been promoted so are used to winning games.

“It is a really tough start but it is a good test for us and where we are at. We feel like we have a really good squad of players and that will be utilised horses for courses.

“Hopefully, we will make the correct decisions for the correct games and get off to a good start. But we know it is not the be all and end all.

“For me, at the moment it is about performance and progression, and we can certainly see that throughout this month.”

Source

It's almost an apologetic press release after the preseason hype - as though he's saying "now I've seen the quality other teams have, I'm not so confident about getting promotion". He knows the zealots are expecting a win on Saturday but he's not so sure we'll get it.
Well I think we have a decent chance against a very good team and it will all come down to how we perform on the day. And one thing I think he has achieved is to create a team with a small budget that has the potential to do it - but they have to play to that potential.
I am hopeful they do.