“You shouldn’t be jealous” - Bolton boss Ian Evatt discusses Birmingham City financial power | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt discussed Birmingham City's spending ahead of their meeting.

Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt insists he has no problem with Birmingham City’s spending this summer as he prepares to take his side to St. Andrew’s tonight.

After a slow start to the season, the Trotters have turned a corner in the past month, as they are unbeaten in five, which includes four wins.

However, it will be a huge task for Bolton to extend that unbeaten run, as they face the toughest test in the league right now, as they make the trip to take on a Blues side that sit top of the league, whilst they are yet to lose at home.

Ian Evatt on Birmingham City’s summer spending spree

It’s no surprise that Chris Davies’ side are in that position, as they spent an incredible amount in the summer by League One standards, with Jay Stansfield the eye-catching addition for around £15m, which is a league record.

They also bought several players for seven-figure sums, with Birmingham undoubtedly having the best squad in the third tier on paper.

Yet, speaking to the Bolton News, Evatt was adamant that he wouldn’t use this as an excuse, as his team look to force their way into the play-off places.

“It is a big test for everyone, me and the team. I am not going to sit here and start moaning about finances, because you shouldn’t be jealous of what other people are doing.

“They are an anomaly at this level, no two ways about it, and it hasn’t been seen at this level before, but it’s one thing to do what they have done, it is another to start as consistently as they have done. They have picked up results, and they are a difficult team to play against.

“Obviously, they have a coach who has vast experience at a much higher level, even though he hasn’t been a manager before. He has got off to a good start and they do things that can hurt you. We need a plan, and it’s as tough as it gets, but what a great opportunity to show what we can do.

“Winning games isn’t easy at any level, not consistently. You saw at the weekend Arsenal beaten by Bournemouth, Manchester City needed the very last minute to win at Wolves. You shouldn’t just disregard any opposition because everyone has a plan, everyone is well coached.”

This is the right attitude from Ian Evatt

This is good for Bolton fans to hear, as Evatt is not going with an attitude that makes Bolton feel inferior - which is how it should be.

Everyone knows how much Blues have spent, and there’s no doubt that Bolton are not expected to get a win at St. Andrew’s, but, as the manager says, shocks happen, and it’s 11 vs 11 on the night, with Wanderers having a lot of quality for this level in their ranks.

So, Evatt will have the group believing they can get a win, and they head into the game with real confidence, as they have turned the corner in the past five games.