Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt has called on his fans to build on the “intimidating” atmosphere and level of support on show during Tuesday night’s 5-0 battering of Oxford United.
The Trotters manager was full of praise not only for his players but the matchday support as both those on the pitch and up in the stands capitalised on Oxford’s capitulation, turning two goals inside half an hour into a hat-full by the 69th minute.
While the opening strike from Ogbeta (Bolton‘s 100th goal in all competitions) was a proper rifle with some nice build-up play too, there was plenty of good fortune about the second and third goals, with poor goalkeeper-defender communication and a big deflection helping turn a one-nil lead into three.
However, it was the rousing crowd that ended up spurring the home side to get another two, with the clever team play which led to the fourth from Aaron Collins the pick of the bunch, and Evatt clearly liked what he saw from the club as a whole.
Evatt told club media: “When they play like that… we are a difficult team to stop and I’m really proud of them tonight.”
Speaking to Bolton News, the former Blackpool centre-back said the conversation around creating a real cauldron whenever teams visit the Toughseet Stadium has been raised before and that their aim is to mirror “the most intense and intimidating atmospheres” seen in the Premier League.
ADVERTISEMENT
As he saw it: “The atmosphere I asked for before the game was exactly what I got out there… When the fans back the players like they did tonight it gives them confidence and belief and to play the way we want to play it does take trust, confidence and belief.
“This is a collective effort for everybody, and the fans are a huge part of that.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The 42-year-old went on to insist, “I think it is the players’ responsibility to get the fans off their seats, and that can be with a big tackle or even some cheerleading. There’s nothing wrong with that, we’re in it together.” Be it celebrating big moments or preying on the opposition’s mistakes, they certainly did that.
Having recently been charged for the fiery scenes following the recent derby day defeat to Wigan Athletic, in which members on both sides were involved in a tense bust-up on the pitch after the full-time whistle, Evatt, his men and the fans will be glad to be back feeling more positive.
Still sat third in League One and only a point behind Derby County who they play next on Saturday, 16 March, their promotion prospects are looking very strong and the fans are clearly helping build a feeling of momentum.
ADVERTISEMENT
And not just at home either, where they’re unbeaten in their last six; the Trotters have also already managed a sold-out away end ahead of their visit to Pride Park this weekend.
You can watch the full highlights from Bolton’s emphatic win over Oxford down below:
Featured Images — Bolton Wanderers (via Instagram)
Sport
Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Oasis’ Wonderwall on the brink of becoming UK number one for first time ever 30 years after initial release
Emily Sergeant
Could Wonderwall FINALLY become UK number one for the first time ever?
England may no longer be in the running to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being knocked out in the Semi Finals by Argentina, who claimed a 2-1 win when the two teams faced off in Atlanta on Wednesday night (15 July), but it looks like that hasn’t harmed Wonderwall’s trajectory to the top of the Official UK Charts.
Oasis’ most-streamed song of all time – and arguably their most famous – is currently sitting right at the top of Spotify’s Global charts, meaning it is in the race to become the official UK number one later today.
Despite the fact it never reached number one when it was first released back in 1996 as part of the band’s second studio album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, the song has always had such cultural significance here in Manchester.
But after being adopted by the fans of the England men’s national football team during this World Cup, and belted out after every Three Lions victory this tournament, the song has taken on a whole new life.
Wonderwall was described at the time by the band’s lead guitarist and songwriter, Noel Gallagher, as being about ‘an imaginary friend who’s gonna come and save you from yourself’ – with the song’s title inspired by George Harrison’s solo album Wonderwall Music.
Sure, it has nothing to do with football (but neither did Sweet Caroline, let’s be real), but it’s an absolute anthem and one that’s become a symbol this year for the belief that football may have just been coming home after 60 years.
Win or lose, Wonderwall remains.
Unfortunately, while Wonderwall is in pole position as it stands, it’s up against some fierce footballing competition with the likes of Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds’ enduring anthem, Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home), hot on its heals.
Standing between both of them – and chart glory – is, of course, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s record-breaking duet, Rein Me In, which looks to retain the top spot as it eyes a 17th non-consecutive week at the summit.
It’s also expected that The Beatles’ iconic 1968 hit, Hey Jude, will also find its way into the Top 40 in honour of the tournament’s star player Jude Bellingham.
So, will Wonderwall reign supreme then? Will the Gallagher brothers have another reason to celebrate tonight after the success of last year’s historic Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour? We’ll have to wait and see.
You can tune into the Official Chart Show on BBC Radio 1 from 4pm today.
Danny Jones -
13th March 2024 
