Evatt Hopes For Happy New Year

Ian Evatt believes more good times are ahead as he looks forward to 2022.

Wanderers kick off the New Year at Rotherham United on Saturday as they prepare for a first game since 11 December.

The effects of a major COVID outbreak within the Wanderers’ playing ranks might make it a testing start against a Rotherham side only knocked off the top of League One by Sunderland on Thursday night.

But Evatt is upbeat about what’s to come with Wanderers poised to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window and aim to kick on in the second half of the season.

“I’m really excited. I think there’s lots to look forward to,” said the Whites’ boss.

“We’ve had a rough couple of months but we mustn’t lose sight of what we’ve achieved this year.

“It’s been a very good year for this football club and a huge marker for that is what we’re able to do in January in a sustainable fashion.

“To get ourselves in this position from where this football club was two years ago, huge credit must go to Sharon, the rest of the board, investors, fans, the rest of the backroom staff – everybody.

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“We’ve all played a huge part in that, so credit to everyone. But now’s the time to get to work and start winning football games on a regular basis again.”

With Evatt at the helm, Wanderers bounced back to League One at the first time of asking last season with an inspired run in the second half of the campaign.

His side currently finds itself 15th in the table on the back of a three-game winless run ahead of the enforced shut-down.

But the top half is within touching distance and Wanderers are ready to do business to supplement a squad also close to welcoming back more players from the injuries which have decimated the playing personnel in recent weeks.

“We won’t overspend. We are doing things strategically,” added Evatt.

“It’s not scattergun. We recruited very well last January and we need to do the same again this January and what we’ve highlighted we feel will improve us as a squad and get assets back on the pitch for us.

“Saturday is probably the last time we’ll be going through some pain, I would say.

“We’ve got an important transfer window coming up and we’ve also got players, injury-wise, who are back to full fitness.

“The COVID scenario has put a bit of a spanner in the works but, other than that, things are looking up and positive.

“Once we get through this game and get a sustained period of training sessions back into the players - and their lungs start to recover - and the new recruits arrive, we’ll be in a much better place.”

To watch the manager's pre-match interview ahead of Saturday's trip to Rotherham, click HERE

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