Blackpool boss Ian Evatt admitted returning to Bolton was ‘very strange’

Blackpool boss Ian Evatt described his first return to former club Bolton as “very strange”, but he was denied a fairytale comeback by substitute Mason Burstow’s late equaliser.

The Hull loan star’s 10th goal of the season in the 85th minute prevented Blackpool’s first win at Bolton for 40 years after Hayden Coulson cancelled out Eoin Toal’s opener and George Honeyman fired the visitors in front.

Evatt was sacked as Trotters chief in January 2025, but insisted he does not harbour any grudges against his one-time paymasters.

“I had a wonderful time here and I do hope Bolton get promoted,” said Blackpool manager after a breathtaking final half-hour.

“So, there is no ill feeling from me towards this football club. It gave me four and a half brilliant years. I have zero issues.

“I met some wonderful people and am proud I managed a club of this stature. And we had some success along the way.

“So, it was nice to see people before the game, but I was conscious it didn’t turn into a sideshow or a circus.

“But I am now the head coach of a club that means the absolute world to me for personal reasons.

“Today was all about winning for my football club. We didn’t manage to do it, but we gave a good account of ourselves.

“But it has been very strange.”

Toal’s second goal of the season came via former Blackpool winger Rob Apter’s corner after 66 minutes.

Coulson equalised seven minutes later before goalkeeper Jack Bonham’s ill-advised pass was intercepted by substitute Honeymoon to fire into an unguarded net.

Burstow rescued a point with a fine header from Thierry Gale’s delivery. Even then the drama was not over as Ashley Fletcher hit an upright and Gale curled a right-footed effort narrowly wide at the other end.

“It was a mad game,” Bolton boss Steven Schumacher said. “We did loads of good stuff, controlled large parts of it and got ourselves in front.

“Then we had a five-minute spell of madness. Fortunately, we responded well.

“We then could have won it at the end; we could have lost it.”

Bolton stay third, but are 10 points off an automatic promotion spot.

Schumacher added: “Our performances are where they need to be.

“But we need to turn one point into three quickly if we want automatic or sustain a play-off push.

“There is only so much you can do, but keep believing in what we are doing.

“However, I’m not too frustrated. The lads are giving everything, they are playing well, sticking together as a group and we will be fine because we are putting the work in.”