IAN Evatt will pit his wits against two men who know him well at Doncaster Rovers today.

The Wanderers boss will share a technical area with former schoolboy team-mate, now Rovers boss, Gary McSheffrey and one of his football mentors, Steve Eyre, who was installed as a coach at the Keepmoat Stadium last month.

Evatt has been impressed with McSheffrey’s start at Doncaster, who have clawed back ground on the sides above them in the relegation race to give themselves a chance of survival with four games remaining.

“When he took the team over they were virtually doomed but he has managed to pick up some great results – they won at MK Dons, they won at Sunderland – and he has given them a chance,” he said.

“We played in the same Coventry Schools team. He was part of the Coventry City set up and my dad chose that I should go to Derby, away from him, the trouble-maker, and my other friends, and let me focus on my football.

“We have known each other since we were very, very young and have always had the same friendship group, so I am excited for him that he has this opportunity. I hope he gets time because it will take time for him to put his stamp on things.

“He has been given a bit of a baptism of fire, probably as difficult a job as he could have got, and it hasn’t been easy for him to bring in players, in terms of the finance.

“I hope he keeps them up and is given a chance with the job, going forward, but obviously those well-wishes only apply after the final whistle on Saturday, for us it is strictly business and trying to get three points.”

Eyre, who won five league titles as Manchester City’s youth team manager and helped propel the likes of Phil Foden to senior football stardom, has also worked magic since being added to the coaching staff last month.

The Salford-born coach has been able to keep a close eye on Bolton, having worked as a summariser for BBC Radio Manchester and Bolton FM in the past couple of years.

And Evatt – who worked with Eyre at Chesterfield – has a great deal of respect for what he brings to the table.

“Steve, in terms of football education, knows me very, very well,” he added.

“We are still in contact and speak a lot, he has watched us play many times and offers me advice which I listen to and appreciate. It is great to see him back in football.

“With him and Gary there we know full well they will be extremely well prepared and ready for us, there’s no doubt about that.”