Wanderers are ready to give Ian Evatt a bigger playing budget next season in his pursuit of automatic promotion.

The Bolton boss says he has boardroom backing to spend more on his squad as they seek a return to the Championship after play-off disappointment this time around.

Chairman Sharon Brittan has already issued a statement to the fans, promising that progress will not plateau and that the club is ready to match Evatt’s ambition.

Asked by The Bolton News if he would have an improved budget, he said: “Absolutely. I can’t speak highly enough of Sharon and the rest of the board, Michael James, the Swiss guys, they have been unbelievable.

“There have been lots of conversations behind the scenes about how we progress this football club and, obviously, sometimes that costs money.

“Yes, we are going to do things smartly and strategically, we’ll never put this club at risk, but there are plans in place to make sure that we are in a much better and stronger position next season, on and off the pitch. That work continues, it has been going on behind the scenes.

“This club is going to be better again next season. I am really excited by it.”

Wanderers have had to legislate for two different scenarios over the last few months as they chased a play-off spot, not knowing if they would have to budget for second or third-tier football.

A bond scheme was launched a fortnight ago with a view to funding several capital projects in the coming years and has already raised £2million.

Football Ventures and BMLL Limited, the Switzerland-based consortium fronted by Nick Luckock, have also given Evatt assurances that their backing will enable him to bring in players to suit his playing style.

Targets will now be pursued but the manager believes this season’s success will present the club with even more opportunities.

Technical performance director, Chris Markham, and his recruitment analysis team will again play a major part in refining and identifying potential signings, and Evatt believes no time will be wasted.

“We are ready to go right away now,” he said. “We have now got agents and clubs ringing us and asking us to take their players because they want to be at Bolton Wanderers. They can see what we are doing and it will be an exciting summer.

“Losing in the play-offs was hard to take but it isn’t over. We will work relentlessly hard now to make sure we improve again for next year.”