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.
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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.”
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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.
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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
Aitch wells up in trailer for inspiring Netflix documentary about Kilimanjaro charity climb
Danny Jones
Mancunian musician Aitch has shared a brand-new trailer for his upcoming Netflix documentary charting his inspiring charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tissues at the ready.
In case you missed it, the Manchester rapper took on the incredible challenge of summiting the highest peak in Africa last year, all on behalf of the Down’s Syndrome Association.
Sharing the first true glimpse at his moving mountain voyage, the Moston-born artist looks to reveal all in this candid chronicling of his fundraising feat.
Writing in the caption, the 26-year-old said: “Gracie, this is for you and the 40,000 other beautiful people just like you. Don’t Be Afraid!”
For anyone unaware of the context, a couple of years back, Aitch – Harrison James Armstrong, to give the Manc his full given name – announced that he would be embarking on the difficult journey that only 40-60% of trekkers ever successfully reach the top.
Beloved by upwards of 3.1 million followers across his various social media platforms, Grace has become a bit of a community icon and hero all of her own.
Here he is video calling her before his most recent challenge:
They have such a lovely bond.
The inspiration for the 2022 track ‘My G’ with Ed Sheeran on his debut album, Close to Home, the song itself also ended up serving as a significant fundraiser, going on to complete a skydive over Old Sarum airfield with his dad, Mike.
A few clips have been shared on Aitch’s YouTube channel since he first confirmed he would be taking on ‘Kili’, such as his altitude training and other glimpses behind the scenes, but until now, we’ve seen very little footage from the infamous trail itself.
Set to drop later this month, Aitch’s Kilimanjaro doc, entitled Don’t Be Afraid, is releasing on Netflix on Sunday, 26 July – which also just so happens to be ‘Manchester Day‘; we’ll be making sure we don’t miss either of them.
He’s not the only local lad taking on huge obstacles for a good cause.
Featured Images — Screenshots (via Netflix/Instagram)/Anthony Trivet (via Wikimedia Commons)
Sport
Stockport Paralympian 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.
Danny Jones -
13th March 2024 
