Sam Allardyce opens door to emotional Bolton return after Ian Evatt sacking

Sam Allardyce enjoyed a highly successful spell at Bolton from 1999 to 2007 and has now opened the door to making a return to the League One side as they search for Ian Evatt’s successor

Sam Allardyce has offered his services to managerless Bolton Wanderers, but insisted he would not be returning as head coach.

Allardyce enjoyed a highly successful eight-year spell with the Trotters from 1999, leading them to the Premier League two years after taking charge. He would then lead them to the 2004 League Cup final and UEFA Cup qualification.

The Englishman left in 2007 to take over Newcastle, before spells at West Ham, Sunderland and Everton. His last job was a four-game stint at Leeds as they were relegated from the top-flight in 2023.

Bolton are on the search for a new boss after sacking Ian Evatt following Tuesday’s loss to Charlton Athletic, which left them eighth in League One. With his former side reeling following that sacking, Allardyce has opened the door to an emotional return.

“I don’t know what the position is at Bolton because obviously, I left in 2007. A staggering amount of time has passed. My passion for Bolton is always, always there,” he told the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.

“I was born in the Midlands but Bolton is my town, my club. Everybody knows that because of the great times I had as a player and as the manager. If I can help, I would, if they actually asked me to.

“Not as the manager though. I think that needs to go to somebody that’s ready to take the club to the next level. The board are hopefully there to support him. There’s many, many, many a good coach that would want that position.”

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Evatt’s sacking was announced on Wednesday, with academy coaches Julian Darby, Andy Taylor and Andrew Tutte taking interim charge. Evatt joined Bolton in 2020, leading them to automatic promotion from League Two in his first season.

But he failed to take them into the Championship, losing last season’s play-off final. After a run of poor results, the club’s board decided to act, though chairman Sharon Brittan took the chance to pay tribute to her side’s former boss.

“Ian arrived at a challenging time for Bolton Wanderers Football Club and his dedication to rebuilding, both on and off the pitch, has been commendable,” Brittan said when the sacking was announced.

“He instilled a renewed sense of professionalism and purpose, and we are grateful for his significant contributions during his four and a half years at the helm. He has been a pleasure to work with and I personally thank him for his hard work and passion for this Club.

“He has created a tremendous legacy and will always be remembered for the successes he has brought. We wish him nothing but success in the future. The Board are committed to finding the right candidate to lead Bolton Wanderers forward.”

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