'Isn't by design' - Bolton boss Ian Evatt out to improve 'useless' cup record ahead of Salford

Ian Evatt candidly admits he has a 'useless' record as a manager in cup competitions at Bolton Wanderers and is aiming to improve on his record this evening when Salford City visit in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

The Whites take on the Ammies at the University of Bolton Stadium this evening. It will be the first time the two sides have played since the 2020/21 season, where Wanderers came out on top in the two clashes in League Two.

Evatt has a promotion and a ninth placed finish with Wanderers in league action during his two full seasons in charge of the club. The Whites have not fared anywhere near as well in cup competitions during that time.

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In his first season in charge, Evatt's side were dumped out of both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup at the first round stage. They exited the EFL Trophy at the group stage.

Last season saw a slight improvement, with Wanderers reaching the second round of the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout win over Barnsley, only to exit the competition via the same method at the hands of Wigan Athletic. Bolton were knocked out of the FA Cup following a first round replay against Stokcport County.

In the Papa John's Trophy, as it is now know, Wanderers were knocked out by League Two side Hartlepool following a goalkeeping error by Joel Dixon. Evatt is aiming to improve his record in cup competitions this season and insists the record is not by design.

He felt Wanderers were unlucky with their exit in the Carabao Cup and Papa John's Trophy last season. After a positive start to the season, Evatt knows Wanderers cannot rest on their laurels as he knows full well from last campaign