Charlton Athletic, Leyton Orient and Birmingham City rivals set for huge managerial appointment

Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient rivals Bolton Wanderers are set to confirm the appointment of Steven Schumacher as their new manager in League One following the departure of Ian Evatt last week.

The Trotters parted ways with Evatt following the 2-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic, which came days after the head coach had been involved in a falling out with fans where he appeared to swear at some of the Bolton Wanderers home support.

The promotion-chasing Bolton have since picked up wins against Huddersfield Town and Northampton Town to solidify their credentials as challengers for a play-off place. The club has 44 points and sits in seventh place.

Steven Schumacher set for League One return

Bolton find themselves sandwiched between Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic, with all three clubs harbouring hopes of a chance at promotion to the Championship via the play-offs this term. The London clubs' rivals were set about achieving that under the management of Schumacher.

Football League World reports that Bolton are 'closing in' on the appointment of the former Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City boss. The outlet claims that confirmation is 'imminent'.

Schumacher has been out of work since his dismissal from Stoke City in September and has been linked with several Championship jobs since then. He is now set to drop into League One in a head-turning appointment given his reputation in the second tier.

Schumacher achieved promotion from League One with Plymouth Argyle in 2023 and then impressed as he made the step up leagues with the Pilgrims and at Stoke City. Bolton travel to play-off rivals Reading on Saturday and it remains to be seen whether Schumacher will be in place for that fixture.

Bolton Wanderers statement on Evatt departure

A club statement last week confirmed that Evatt had left the Toughsheet Community Station by 'mutual consent' as the search for a new manager began. It read: "Bolton Wanderers Football Club today announces that First Team Manager Ian Evatt has left the Club by mutual consent.

"Ian joined Bolton Wanderers in July 2020 with the team at one of its lowest ebbs following relegation to League Two and went on to enjoy an outstanding tenure in charge to deliver some of the high points of the Club’s recent history.

"During his first season in charge, Ian guided the Club to automatic promotion from League Two and the following campaign secured a ninth-place finish in League One. Wanderers then won the EFL Trophy at Wembley Stadium for the first time in over 30 years in April, 2023 by defeating Plymouth Argyle 4-0 on a memorable day for almost 35,000 travelling fans at the home of English football.

"During Ian’s tenure, the Club also reached the League One Play-Offs on two occasions, reaching Wembley again at the end of last season to compete in the play-off final.

"The Board of Directors would like to express its gratitude to Ian for his professionalism, commitment and creating a legacy during his time at Bolton Wanderers."

In other news, Charlton Athletic have handed a fatal blow to Wycombe Wanderers and Oxford United this week.