**Ian Evatt Surfaces as Favourite for Cardiff City Managerial Role, Confirms Job Offers**
The hunt for Cardiff City’s next manager appears to be reaching a decisive stage, with former Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt now firmly installed as the bookmakers’ favourite for the post. As excitement builds among Bluebirds supporters, Evatt has publicly acknowledged he is considering several offers and is eager to return to frontline management.
Cardiff City have been without a permanent manager since the departure of Omer Riza, who was dismissed with just three matches remaining of a disappointing campaign that ultimately led to relegation to League One. The club’s board is reportedly working through a list of candidates, aiming to appoint an experienced head who can guide Cardiff back to the Championship at the first attempt.
Evatt, 43, rose to prominence during his time as a player with Blackpool but has since forged an impressive reputation as a manager. In a recent interview with the Blackpool Gazette, he discussed both his readiness to resume managerial duties and the break he’s enjoyed after leaving Bolton at the start of this year. “It’s the first time in 27 years that I’ve had any kind of break from football, as I moved immediately from playing to managing,” Evatt revealed.
Reflecting on his managerial journey so far, Evatt said, “I’ve managed for seven years, five of them at one club, which is quite an achievement in today’s football landscape. The break was needed, and I’ve used the time wisely, but now I’m starting to feel that familiar urge to get back into it.” Evatt added that he had already turned down certain proposals, stating, “I’ve had some offers that I didn’t think were right for me at the time, but things are always moving in football. I’m prepared to be patient and pick the right option moving forward.”
Evatt’s time away from the game has given him a new perspective on his past achievements and areas for improvement. “Football management is all-consuming, really,” he explained. “It’s rare to get a chance to reflect on what’s been accomplished, as well as to consider what could have been better. It’s been a successful period overall – promotions, a trophy, and a strong win ratio with Bolton. This break has been valuable, and I’m ready to go again.”
Beginning his managerial career at Barrow in 2018, Evatt masterminded their return to the English Football League for the first time in nearly half a century. His attacking approach brought not only results but excitement to the club’s supporters, earning his Barrow team the playful moniker ‘Barrowcelona’.
After his breakthrough at Barrow, Evatt accepted the role as Bolton manager in July 2020. At the time, the Trotters were struggling in League Two, but he immediately turned things around, leading the club to automatic promotion in his debut season. Further success followed as Evatt’s Bolton side collected the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2023, thumping Plymouth Argyle in a comprehensive 4-0 final win.
Evatt departed Bolton in January 2025, following a spell of poor form despite a record that speaks volumes: in 261 games at the helm, he notched 132 wins, 52 draws and 77 defeats. His win rate of roughly 50% marks him as one of the club’s most successful managers in the post-war era.
With Cardiff City’s hierarchy keen to move quickly, sources suggest the shortlist is down to just a few names, including former Oxford United manager Des Buckingham. Cardiff fans and observers alike now await official confirmation, while Evatt himself appears eager and open to the challenge ahead.
In the ever-changing landscape of football management, few headlines can be as pivotal for a club in transition as the arrival of an ambitious, proven leader. Whether Ian Evatt becomes the next man to take the reins at Cardiff City is yet to be confirmed. However, what is clear is that he stands ready for a new opportunity, with a wealth of experience to offer and a proven track record in the English game.