Evatt: No Fear Factor

Ian Evatt insists Wanderers will continue to play without fear as they prepare for another test of their top-end League One credentials.

Wanderers go to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday chasing a hat-trick of league wins to move into the play-off places.

The clubs were two divisions apart last season but Wanderers are currently three points better off than Wednesday following the Owls’ relegation from the Championship.

And Evatt will send his men out at Hillsborough to tackle their latest challenge head-on.

“It’s a game we’re looking forward to,” said the Bolton boss.

“All the hard work we put in in League Two last season has given us opportunities like this one.

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“Sunderland away, Sheffield Wednesday away – fantastic occasions, stadiums, big clubs in their own right – like us – and we’re really looking forward to it.

“It’s a difficult place to go. They’ve got a very strong squad, a lot of them have played in the Championship last season and most of their careers – if not higher.

“It’s going to be a challenge for us but what we have seen from this group, while we’ve been together, is that we thrive on these big challenges and these big stages and hopefully we’ll go there and attack and play our way and that’ll good enough for three points.”

Evatt added: “We’ve had a conversation and we don’t feel like there’s anything to fear.

“We feel comfortable with where we’re at. We feel like we’ve left points out there but I’m guessing most teams feel that way.

“But we’re a confident group who have a huge belief in what we do.

“We still need to improve, there’s no doubt about that, and we can make improvements but, for me, what we’ve seen so far should only re-emphasise what our end goal is.

“And our end goal is to be at the top end of this division.”

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No side in League One has more points on the road this season than Wanderers, who won 4-1 at Charlton Athletic on their last road trip.

Nearly 900 fans made the trip to The Valley and there will be 3,000 away supporters at Hillsborough as Evatt’s men continue to enjoy terrific support.

And the manager hopes it will be another fruitful away-day ahead of next Saturday’s big derby at home to Wigan Athletic.

“We’re looking forward to a fantastic atmosphere,” said Evatt, who is getting close to a fully-fit squad to select from with striker Amadou Bakayoko back in the mix and full-back Gethin Jones passed fit to be involved.

“We’ve sold over 3,000 tickets, which is magnificent from our fans, and hopefully we can give them something to shout about.

“Our fans are fantastic and we’ve got two games – one away from home and one at home next week – to really look forward to.

“They are being entertained. They are enjoying what they’re seeing and enjoying watching us play and they’re backing us and we can’t ask for any more.”

Watch the manager's full pre-match briefing HERE

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