IT’S EVATT THE TREND SETTER!
Departed boss has led the way for Bluebirds
BARROW chairman Paul Hornby has vowed to retain the free-flowing philosophy that propelled the Bluebirds into the Football League.
Manager Ian Evatt, whose title-winning team was dubbed ‘Barrowcelona’ for its emphasis on attack and possession, joined Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday after a lengthy and often rancorous period of negotiation.
The search is now on for a replacement as Barrow prepare to tackle the EFL for the first time in almost half a century.
Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Dunn is the odds-on favourite, but whoever takes charge will not be permitted to deviate far from Evatt’s style.
“Ian did a wonderful job over the time he was here,” said Hornby. “He leaves us with a blueprint and identity of how we want our team to play and a great group of players.
“We shouldn’t let his departure distract from a fantastic season and the massive opportunity promotion creates for this club going forward.
“We are very confident we can recruit a new management team that can take us to the next level also playing attractive, possession based football.”
Whirlwind
Barrow have also lost Evatt’s entire backroom staff, with assistant Peter Atherton and first team analyst Lewis Duckmanton joining the former Blackpool man at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Physio Callum Walters is also expected to join the exodus after the Trotters met an estimated £145,000 compensation clause in Evatt’s contract.
Hornby, though, has confirmed that Evatt will not be allowed to poach any Bluebirds players as he attempts to rebuild a squad left with just 11 senior players following relegation to League Two.
“Included in the agreement is a two-year embargo that means Bolton cannot approach any Barrow players under contract,” he added.
Speaking after his appointment, Evatt said: “I spent two years at Barrow and it’s been a whirlwind. I had a fantastic time there.
“I can’t speak highly enough of that football club, the way the fans took to me and our brand of football. The board supported me and we ended up achieving something great. But that’s done now. I’m looking forward to what I can achieve here.”