IAN Evatt has been given an unlikely endorsement to turn around Bolton Wanderers’ season by former striker Emile Heskey.

The ex-England front man, whose 48 games for the Whites were the last of his club career, believes two play-off disappointments in two years against Barnsley and Oxford United have had a damaging effect on his former club.

Speaking on behalf of BetMGM, Heskey has backed Evatt and his side to correct their course and start challenging again for a place in the Championship.

Asked about the lasting impact of May’s defeat at Wembley, he said: “I think the hangover from the play offs is the case because Bolton have come so close twice now and it can take its toll. For me, this club should never be down to where it is now in League One, it is far too big of a club for that league.

“They have to get their players to fight, they have an exceptional manager in Ian Evatt who has demonstrated his ability as a manager time and time again. Now is the time when you've got to show up, but in reality, nothing is won at the beginning of the season, however, a fast start never hurts.”

Heskey was part of a Leicester City side which has taken just two wins from 17 games in the 1995/96 season, dropping quickly down the table in the New Year.

But the Foxes rediscovered a spark in the closing six weeks of the campaign which eventually helped them beat Crystal Palace in the play-offs at Wembley and launch a memorable stint in the top-flight under Martin O’Neill.

“I remember playing for Leicester and we won almost all of our final 10 games and snuck into the play off spots, we then went on to win the play off final and onto the Premier League,” he said.

“Nothing is going to be won this early in the season, but it is important to build a foundation for the season by picking up points.”

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