Bolton Wanderers secured a ninth placed finish on their first season back in League One since 2020 with a 4-2 home win over Fleetwood Town.
Wanderers went behind thanks to a brilliant finish from Barry Baggley, but the hosts struck back before half-time thanks to Dion Charles ending a goalscoring drought which run until mid-February with a low strike.
Declan John then put the hosts in front with a great low finish after the break, before Joe Garner levelled from a corner to put the Cod Army back on level terms.
READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers player ratings vs Fleetwood Town - Charles, John, Morley & Bakayoko good
Charles scored from 45 yards with a slide tackle which ended up lofting over goalkeeper Alex Cairns and into the back of the net to give Wanderers the lead again.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson then scored with the final kick of the game as they secured a ninth placed finish after Portsmouth suffered defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday, while the Cod Army secured their League One status despite losing at the University of Bolton Stadium.
After the win, Ian Evatt spoke to the press and here's his immediate reaction to the win.
You got what you wanted?
“Second half I did. I think first half, this has been really topical in recent weeks that we’ve very much been at it and showed impetus, intensity, desire and I think that was lacking in the first half.
“From the players’ perspective, it felt like a bit of a party atmosphere today. We knew there was not a lot to play for and there was kind of a celebration and things happening with families and friends that can sometimes take your eye off the ball and I think first half we struggled with that.
“I think their goal probably spurred us and gave us that aggression and intensity and then we scored a very good goal, but second half once I reminded them of their responsibilities and what we were here for, they were outstanding and deserved to win the game.”
To finish the season with four straight wins must be very pleasing?
“Yeah. We set the players a points target back in January, 73 points was our target and we’ve managed to get there but it’s still not enough. At the time that felt like a real big ask, but it shows you how well we’ve done since January.
“A sample size of 22 games and only three defeats in more or less half a season is a lot to be proud of really. We’re obviously disappointed. We’re in the changing rooms and the offices and watching celebrations at Rotherham and people like that and we want to be involved in that - it’s what we want and we have to use that as motivation for next season.
“We are going to have that huge expectancy and we have to live up to it, simple as that.”
You spoke earlier in the week about some big decisions having to be made now - some will have played their last game for Bolton?
“That is the nature of football. All I can say about every one of them is that they have been an absolute pleasure to work with, every day they commit to learning and improving.
“There is a huge mutual respect between myself, the players and the staff. The owner and the directors also have a great relationship with the players too. That culture is something we have been very proud of indeed.
“I might have an hour or two off this summer but otherwise it will be all systems go preparing for next year."
What does Ian Evatt do on Saturday afternoons outside of the football?
“I’d love a game of cricket but there is so much to do. It’s a huge summer ahead for so many reasons – there is the B Team stuff ahead and then recruitment for the first team as well.
“It is a quick turnaround because the season starts early next year but I love my job, I really love it, and I can’t wait to get going again.”
