Evatt | We’re Ready For It

Ian Evatt

Wanderers’ boss Ian Evatt confirmed this afternoon he will be in place in the dug-out on Saturday afternoon following his red card against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night.

The FA have issued a fine to the White’s manager, with no further sanctions beyond this.

In his first media appearance since the fixture, Ian Evatt reflected on the events of Tuesday night and looked ahead to Saturday’s derby day clash against Wigan Athletic: 

“I’ve had lots of thoughts since Tuesday night, and I think the most important thing to say at the moment is that there are lessons being learned.

“I don’t think any managers were aware of that ruling but it has raised awareness. The referees have got a really challenging job and I think what we’re all trying to do is make this game better.

“I had an open and honest conversation with the official from Tuesday and we’ve both admitted some failings and obviously I wasn’t aware of not being able to mention technology, there was no aggression or swearing in what I said but that is breaking the rules.

“It’s really important for me to say that I appreciated the referee, Tom, taking my call and we’re all working hard to be better and to make the game better.

“It’s parked now and we’re ready to move on.”

In the midst of those second half incidents, it would be easy to forget another blistering start from Ian Evatt’s men who blew Fleetwood away in the first half.

“Sometimes football can become overshadowed by other incidents, but we shouldn’t forget that it was an excellent first half performance and the game was done at half time.

“We came out of the blocks really fast, and it was another three points, but I still think there is loads more to come. When I got sent off, I could hear the crowd lift the players from where I was in the stadium which was great to listen to.”

Vic

A first half hat-trick from Victor Adeboyejo was enough to gain Wanderers’ all three points at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

With Adeboyejo leaving the stadium grinning from ear to ear and the match ball under his arm, the manager says that those goals were no coincidence.

“I’m a firm believer that if you keep putting yourself in the best positions then you’ll get the rewards and Victor has been doing that. The chances fell to him on Tuesday, and he was clinical enough to put them away.

“I have a massive amount of belief in all of the players, Victor included, and he stood up and got that hat-trick. He’s in great form and looking for more.”

Local rivals Wigan Athletic are the team in town this weekend and with both sides unbeaten in Sky Bet League One, it’s got all the hallmarks of a classic encounter.

It’s hard to have that ‘another game’ mentality because we know how much it means to so many people. It means just the same to us and there’s nothing that we want more than to make our fan base happy.
Ian Evatt

“Obviously everyone is pleased with the start of the season, but it will all go out of the window if we don’t perform on Saturday, that’s the nature of the industry we’re in.

“We’re ready for it, we’re very much in good form and we’re looking forward to it.

“I think this is another step up in terms of opposition. They’ll be extremely confident coming here as well and I think it’s got all of the marking of a good, open game.

“Normally derby games are quite tight and nervy, but I don’t see this one being that way. Both teams are quite free flowing and very attacking.”

With another big crowd expected to get behind the lads this weekend, staff and players alike are all aware of the role the Wanderers’ faithful can play from the stands.

“The fans have been absolutely incredible, and they have a huge impact on me and the team. There is a great connection there at the moment and we just want to get this place as loud and as rocking as possible.

“We know what we want to do, we know how we need to play but the fans can play their part as well so if they make as much noise as they can then that will help the players make great memories for everybody.”

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