BREAKING NEWS: Bolton Wanderers boss issues rallying call for Barnsley game

Wanderers head to Oakwell for the initial match aiming to establish a favorable position for the upcoming home fixture on Tuesday at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Manager Evatt is focused on securing a positive outcome while refuting suggestions that his team has significantly underperformed under pressure thus far.

Bolton concluded the season with a record of two victories (against Derby and Oxford at home), six draws, and two losses when facing top-six opponents, contrasting with Barnsley who achieved two wins, three draws, and five defeats. The spotlight will once again be on the Whites in South Yorkshire, with Evatt defending his team by emphasizing that their performances in crucial matches have not been as negative as commonly perceived.

“It’s a narrative that has developed, and while there may be instances where we’ve fallen short, I can also point to times when we’ve excelled,” he stated to The Bolton News. “I believe it’s been a blend of both. There have been inconsistencies, and we’ve missed out on opportunities at times.

For example, in the Derby match, we delivered a strong performance on a significant stage but didn’t achieve the desired outcome, which ultimately impacted our objectives. “If you consider other matches – like Wembley last year, Derby at home, Blackpool at home, Portsmouth – we didn’t secure victories but displayed remarkable performances. There are positives and negatives, but that’s the nature of football. What’s in the past is behind us; our focus must be on the present. The time is now.

“This current squad differs slightly from last season’s, and the dynamics of the game have evolved as well. It’s our responsibility to execute our plans, and I’m confident the players share the same determination.”

Wanderers have had a full week to prepare for the upcoming game, with Victor Adeboyejo and Paris Maghoma returning to bolster the squad following the draw on the final day against Peterborough United.

Evatt reassures that missing out on a top two position hasn’t left any lasting impact, emphasizing that recent discussions have highlighted the positive milestones his team has already accomplished this season.

“It’s been important to remind them that they are a talented team,” he remarked. “We’ve achieved significant feats this season, and sometimes when your primary goal eludes you, it’s easy to overlook the successes. This applies to me too, as I’m always focused on the next challenge rather than dwelling on the past.

“We must acknowledge that we set a record for the most goals scored in a calendar year by any Bolton team, achieved a historic 7-0 victory here, surpassed last season’s points total, won more games, lost fewer, improved our goal difference, and my managerial record stands strong among post-war Bolton managers.

“Amidst any negativity, it’s crucial to maintain perspective on our collective accomplishments thus far. However, our current priority is delivering on the big stage and under pressure, starting with the match at Oakwell on Friday before looking ahead. Throughout the week, our attention has been solely on this game, and I feel the players are mentally prepared. They’ve swiftly moved on, had constructive discussions early in the week focusing on the positives, and let go of any setbacks, at least for now.