IAN Evatt hopes that signing a new three-year contract at Wanderers underlines his commitment to the cause, regardless of what happens in the upcoming play-offs.

The Bolton boss, who penned an improved deal which takes him to 2026, leads his side into the semi-finals after Sunday’s season finale at Bristol Rovers.

Evatt hopes to become the first person to manage the Whites in three different divisions but amid more speculation linking him with Championship side Huddersfield Town, insists he is in it for the long haul.

With a promotion from League Two and the Papa Johns Trophy already on his CV, the 41-year-old has become one of the most coveted young coaches outside the top division.

But he hopes by committing his future, he can avoid any unnecessary distractions in the coming weeks and months as he looks to maintain the progress he has made so far.

“The key words are ‘so far’ because this is a statement from me, from the board, to say that the journey continues regardless,” he told The Bolton News.

“Obviously the timing is important, as is the commitment, but win, lose or – well, you can’t draw – in the play-offs, it was important to say to everyone that this goes on. We are on an upward curve.”

Evatt has been linked with other posts before, including clubs he played for like Blackpool and QPR, but says he has never entertained any speculative interest.

“I have never had to think about it – and I don’t believe that is the way to do things,” he said.

“We know the way football works, Sharon (Brittan) knows the way football works, so when the clubs come knocking and calling it can be the case that you use that situation to better your own circumstances and contracts. I have to emphasise that it has never been the case here.

“I had a year left on my contract, I think it was the perfect time for me to commit myself and for Football Ventures to commit to me for the future. We are more than happy with the way things are going but there is a massive hunger to achieve more."

This is a excerpt of a long-read interview with Ian Evatt on his new contract which will be available at 8am tomorrow morning to Bolton News subscribers.

Among the topics of conversation...

  • Why he won't be leaving Wanderers this summer.
  • His first conversation with Sharon Brittan.
  • The 'toughest period in my life' in the first few months at BWFC.
  • Football Ventures' plan for the future.
  • Evatt's end game.

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