THOMAS Tuchel’s sacking at Chelsea left Wanderers boss Ian Evatt lost for words.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris St-Germain boss was unceremoniously sacked after 20 months in charge at Stamford Bridge, where he had won three trophies including the Champions League.

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly took the decision after a 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night – with the Blues sat sixth in the Premier League table.

Evatt celebrated the second anniversary of his appointment at Bolton this summer and is currently the 20th longest-serving manager in English football.

He may well move up a spot to 19th should Graham Potter leave Brighton for Chelsea, as has been widely speculated.

Evatt has had tough times at Wanderers during that time – when even sections of his own fanbase were calling for change – but has retained the backing of club owners Football Ventures, and chairman Sharron Brittan.

By the same rationale, Evatt says interest from other clubs in his own services would be knocked back out the same sense of loyalty.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like being a manager and worrying for your job on the back of one result and being with owners and a chairman that would be so reactive,” Evatt reflected.

“I’m not saying Thomas has had that, because he’s probably not, but how are you supposed to get the best out of a manager and how is he supposed to function on a daily basis if he’s constantly worried about his own job.

“I have a great amount of support from Sharon and the rest of the board and they enable me to focus on what I need to do to make us better. She trusts me, I trust her, and loyalty works both ways because when clubs come knocking for me, my loyalty is with Sharon and this football club because it is a two way street.

“She has shown me loyalty at times when it has been difficult for me and vice-versa, when clubs have been knocking, there is no interest from me because it is a two-way street and it is great that a football club can have that because it is a rarity, it really is.”


Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Bolton News on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Camera Club page

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters 

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer

Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form