IAN Evatt called an immediate inquest into yesterday’s defeat against Newport after feeling some of his players were not pulling their weight.

The Bolton boss read out the riot act to his side in the aftermath of the 2-0 reverse, admitting that effort levels had been called into question.

It increasingly looks like will, not skill, will be needed to get Wanderers out of their current funk, now five competitive games without victory.

And Evatt let his players know in no uncertain terms that such below-par performances will not be tolerated.

“I shouldn’t have to speak about that (effort)… But I have done it in there,” he said.

“It’s the skill we’re trying to adapt and get better with but a desire to win a football match on a Saturday should be a given. They are in an unbelievable job, the best club in this division bar none but give it the respect it deserves.

“Me, my staff, are working all hours trying to get this right. Every hour of every day.

“I expect them to go out there and play with spirit and desire on a Saturday. Even if the skill isn’t there, the will should be, and for me that was questionable.”

Wanderers also added two more players to their squad before the game.

Ex-Macclesfield Town striker Arthur Gnahoua and former Swindon winger Lloyd Isgrove started on the bench, entering the action for their debut in the second half.

“Obviously we needed some more attacking players,” said Evatt, explaining their arrival. “Lloyd won the division last year, is very talented, and had a very good relationship with Eoin Doyle in terms of assists – we’re hoping he can replicate that this season.

“Arthur is a very talented boy, can shoot and dribble off both feet and has pace and power, which we’re probably lacking at the top end of the pitch at times.

“Again, they are another option for me. We’re still figuring it out but we 100 per cent need will more than skill at the moment.”