League One manager in cryptic swipe at Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham spending spree ‘never seen before’
IAN EVATT has taken a cryptic swipe at Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham spending spree.
The Bolton manager hinted at the challenges of competing with “never seen before” transfer business from their League One rivals.
Evatt guided the Trotters to a third place finish last season, missing out on promotion by just five points.
His side were then beaten by Oxford in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
Ahead of the new season, Evatt told the Bolton News: “Every player has a value, and this summer the board have given us everything we would require, they have been absolutely amazing.
“Our values and processes remain the same, even though we can spend more and have offered more – and I have told you we have offered some big transfer fees and contracts out there – unfortunately other clubs can still offer more.
“That is not just in the Championship, it is at our level as well. There are a couple of anomalies, and I don’t need to name names, but they have spent money I didn’t think I’d ever see spent in League One.”
He continued: “You are up against that but if people are making a football decision, we are in a really strong place.
“This football club has rich history, an unbelievable fanbase, brilliant stadium, an aesthetically pleasing way of playing, an ideology players enjoy, there is a lot going for us.
“If that decision becomes financial, they are probably not the right player for us, that’s the way I see it.
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“We want players here who want to be here for football reasons, to get this club back to where it belongs, not for financial benefit.
“We are always fair in the market, and we will offer what we think people deserve, or even at the top end of that.
“We won’t be held to ransom, though, and if it becomes a financial decision and not a footballing one, then they are probably not right for us.”
Wrexham are back in League One for the first time since 2005 after securing a second straight promotion last season.
The Red Dragons have since made five new signings so far this summer, with three of those arriving on free transfers.
However, the club did pay fees to bring in defenders Lewis Brunt and Sebastian Revan from Leicester and Aston Villa respectively.
Bolton and Wrexham are set to meet on the second weekend of the new season.
The Trotters will host the newly-promoted side in their first home match on August 18.
