Wanderers take on Fleetwood Town at the University of Bolton Stadium this evening, looking to secure a place in the last 16 of the Papa John’s Trophy.
Ian Evatt’s men come into the game on a run of five matches unbeaten on their own patch, and the aim will be to extend that run against the managerless Cod Army. Stephen Crainey takes caretaker charge of the team following Simon Grayson’s sacking last week, and he got off to a decent start at the weekend with a 2-2 Sky Bet League One draw at AFC Wimbledon.
Pre-match quotes: From the bosses
Ian Evatt: “I feel for any manager losing his job. I’m a bit torn with it all. I played under Simon and I know Simon very well.
“He’s a really good guy and I’m gutted he’s lost his job but I’m also really pleased for Stephen Crainey, who’s an ex-teammate of mine and a good friend.
“I played alongside Stephen for many years. He’s a fantastic guy, a great character, and knows the game really well.
“He’s been given an opportunity to take it on, for now, and I hope he does really well - apart from the back-to-back games we’ve got with them.”
Stephen Crainey: “I’ve coached some of these lads for a couple of years. They are good footballers and they have a right chance in the game. They have been excellent and hopefully, we can keep that up moving forward.”
“There was real desire and determination (on Saturday), which was really pleasing. I want the group to take that on moving forward, not just in games but in training.
“They’re a good group of players and I’ve always known that. There’s a good blend of youth and experience, and we move on to Bolton on Tuesday and hopefully get a positive result.”
Team news
With the numbers Ian Evatt has to choose from still being incredibly low, the Wanderers boss has hinted that he could make changes for this Tuesday’s fixture, with some of the club’s academy players potentially involved from the start.
The likes of Mitchell Henry, Arran Pettifer, and Matthew Tweedley could come into the team for this evening’s Papa John’s Trophy tie.
Dapo Afolayan is back from a one-match suspension and could return to the matchday squad.
Tickets and Travel
Tickets are still on sale and are available from the Ticket Office up until kick-off at 7pm (please note, no cash turnstiles will be available).
Ticket prices for this fixture are as follows:
Adults: £10.00
Over 65s: £5.00
Under 18: £5.00
Last time out
Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Fleetwood Town | Saturday 2 November 2019
Wanderers earned an impressive victory at the University of Bolton Stadium against Joey Barton’s Cod Army, with goals from Chris O’Grady and Daryl Murphy in the first half proving decisive.
Town pulled a goal back late on through Josh Morris, but Keith Hill’s side held on for a much-needed three points and a second win in two matches, following away victory at Bristol Rovers – the first win of the campaign.
Line-Up: Matthews, Emmanuel, Wright, Zouma, Chicksen, Lowe, L. Murphy, Verlinden (Politic 55) (Graham 89), Dodoo, O’Grady, D. Murphy.
Unused subs: Alexander, Boon, Senior, Weir, Hall.
Match Officials
Referee: Benjamin Speedie
Assistant Referees: Conor Brown and Mark Jones
Fourth Official: Kenwyn Hughes