Cardiff City Manager Front-Runner Confirms Job Offers and States He’s “Ready to Return”
As Cardiff City nears a decision on its next manager, the leading candidate has broken his silence.
Ian Evatt, currently the bookmakers’ favourite to take the reins at Cardiff City, has confirmed that he has received several job offers and feels prepared to return to management.
The ex-Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool defender has been without a club since departing Bolton earlier this year, where he enjoyed a productive spell as manager.
Cardiff are in the process of appointing a permanent replacement for Omer Riza, who was dismissed with just three matches remaining in the season. The Bluebirds ultimately failed to avoid relegation to League One. A shortlist of potential candidates has reportedly been drawn up, with Evatt leading the pack ahead of former Oxford United boss Des Buckingham.
Speaking about his situation, Evatt said:
“I needed some time off and I’ve enjoyed the break, but I’m starting to get that urge to return.
“I’ve turned down a few opportunities that didn’t feel like the right fit, but there’s always movement in football. I’m staying patient and waiting for the right project.
“Being constantly involved in football leaves little room for reflection or growth. This break has allowed me to reassess and improve.
“I’ve had a strong seven years—multiple promotions, trophy wins, and statistically one of the best managerial records at Bolton since the war. It’s been a valuable time away, but I’m now ready to jump back in.”
Evatt, 43, has made a smooth transition from playing to coaching, making a significant impact at both Barrow and Bolton.
His managerial career began in 2018 at Barrow, where he achieved promotion to the English Football League in 2019/20 — the club’s first in nearly half a century. His attacking approach earned his team the nickname “Barrowcelona.”
At Bolton, Evatt led the club to win the 2023 EFL Trophy with a commanding 4–0 win over Plymouth at Wembley and reached the League One play-off final in the 2023/24 campaign.
During his time at Bolton, he managed 261 matches, recording 132 wins, 52 draws, and 77 losses — a win percentage of around 50%. His tenure ended in January 2025 following a run of disappointing results.
