STEVEN SCHUMACHER is favourite to become Bolton boss — while Sam Allardyce dreams of an emotional return.
Ian Evatt, 43, has left after four and a half years with Wanderers ninth in League One, three points outside the play-off places after a run of just two wins in nine.
GettyBolton parted company with manager Ian Evatt on Wednesday[/caption]
GETTYSteven Schumacher is leading candidate to replace Evatt[/caption]
GETTYWanderers legend Sam Allardyce is dreaming of a return to the club[/caption]
Allardyce, 70, fancies a return to the club he managed from 1999 to 2007 but his wages would be a big step up for Bolton.
Schumacher, 40, is available and keen to return to management — with no compensation required.
The former Plymouth and Stoke City boss has experience and success at the level so looks a perfect match.
Bolton have invested in the squad and want the return of promotion.
They may pay for a rival club manager but it would help if he was a free agent.
Rotherham’s Steve Evans has support while St Mirren’s high flying Stephen Robinson is another possible as the Bolton regime look for a solution.
Former Barrow boss Evatt joined Wanderers in July 2020 and guided the club to automatic promotion from League Two in his first season.
He led the Trotters to EFL Trophy glory at Wembley in 2023, in addition to reaching the League One play-off final last season, which ended in a 2-0 loss to Oxford.
GETTYSam Allardyce’s wage demands could scupper an emotional return to the club[/caption]
Evatt said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time here at Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
“Working with Sharon and Nick (Luckock) has been a pleasure, and I’ve been superbly backed along the way by my team of staff and the players.
“There comes a point in football when a change needs to happen and the last thing I want is to damage what we have all built together.
“I believe the Club is still well placed to achieve its goals this season, and I want to give the Board and players the best chance of doing that.
“I am very grateful for everybody’s support and to be the manager of this wonderful football club has been the greatest honour of my career.
“To our fans, thank you for the support you have shown me and my staff.
“Together we have created some very special memories and I will always be a fan of this amazing football club.”
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