Ex-Bolton Wanderers manager on Plymouth Argyle radar amid Cardiff City links | OneFootball

Former Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt is in the frame from the Plymouth Argyle vacancy.

Ian Evatt has a 'fighting chance' of becoming Miron Muslic's successor at League One outfit Plymouth Argyle, according to reports.

The 43-year-old was at the helm of Bolton Wanderers for just under five years, guiding them out of League Two and turning them into a promotion contender in the third tier.

Evatt's contract at the Toughsheet Community Stadium was terminated by mutual consent in January 2025, after a string of bad results left the Trotters sitting ninth in the League One table. He was replaced by former Argyle boss Steven Schumacher.

Now, according to reports from Alan Nixon via Patreon, the former Bolton chief could be in with a 'fighting chance' of the vacancy at Home Park, as former colleague from his playing days, David Fox, is now head of football operations at the Devon club.

Ian Evatt in the frame for Plymouth Argyle manager role

The job at Plymouth officially became available on Saturday, although it was known by Wednesday evening that the Pilgrims would be in the hunt for a new head coach.

Just four months into the job, Muslic shocked the club by refusing to return to Devon and insisting he wanted to speak to fallen giant FC Schalke 04, with the view of joining them.

This has left Argyle in a spot of bother, as they now must seek a replacement for the Bosnian-Austrian head coach, who reassured the chairman Simon Hallett multiple times he was "100% committed" to the club.

In the wake of Muslic's departure, a report from Nixon emerged on Sunday morning that former Bolton boss Evatt stands a 'fighting chance' of securing the hot-seat at Home Park.

Nixon continued that the 43-year-old's chances of becoming the next Plymouth manager have been boosted, as former colleague Fox is now head of football operations at the newly-relegated side. The duo played together at Blackpool in the late 2000's.

The report concluded that fellow relegated side Cardiff City also have Evatt on their shortlist of managers to fill the vacancy in South Wales, which Football League World exclusively revealed nearly two weeks ago.

Ian Evatt appointment would be a big risk for Plymouth Argyle if they went down that route

Evatt's pedigree at League One level is unquestionable, having helped Bolton, who were once on their knees, get somewhat back on the right track towards success.

A highlight of his tenure with the Trotters was a 4-0 win at Wembley to lift the EFL Trophy in 2023, although Plymouth fans won't want to be reminded of that day.

However, despite flirting with promotion to the Championship, Evatt has never actually secured it, following two unsuccessful play-off campaigns in 2023 and 2024.

It's expected that Plymouth will want to secure a straight return to the second tier, and despite his experience at the level, this is something that has always evaded the 43-year-old.

Evatt also came under fire during his time at Bolton for a lack of adaptability and willingness to try something different when things weren't going to plan, which is something that the Greens can't afford next season.

All in all, the ex-Blackpool defender is one of the best unattached managers for a League One club currently, but given how his time in Lancashire ended, it would be a big risk for the Pilgrims to appoint him.