Ian Evatt on Morecambe keeping Cole Stockton as Bolton Wanderers travelling fans sent message
04.02.2022 - 09:09
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Ian Evatt gave Morecambe credit for keeping hold of star striker Cole Stockton in the January transfer window as he wants the Bolton Wanderers travelling fans to create a positive atmosphere for his side.
Stockton has been a goal machine for the Shrimps since joining the club in 2019, and has found a ruthless streak in front of goal in the past 18 months in particular.
He scored 15 goals for the Lancashire club last season as the Shrimps won promotion to League one via the play-offs, while he has 20 goals in all competitions so far this season.
READ MORE:Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt on Morecambe, League One season ambitions and improvement sought
Transfer rumours had previously linked Wanderers with a move for the striker ahead of the January transfer window, and though Evatt admitted he was a fan, confirmed Bolton would not be signing the forward.
Bolton instead opted to sign Dion Charles from Accrington Stanley, as well as adding Jon Dadi Bodvarsson from Millwall on a free transfer.
Evatt believes credit must be given to Morecambe for keeping hold of their star man, who would have attracted interest.
Reports had linked Preston North End, Rotherham United, Barnsley and Oxford United as potentially weighing up moves for the striker, though none ever materialised.
Morecambe boss Stephen Robinson is pleased to still have the striker at the Mazuma Stadium and wants to speak to the forward about a new contract, which currently runs until the summer of 2023.
But Evatt is under no illusions of the test facing his side against the Shrimps and knows it will be a tough test to extend their winning ruin to five matches.
He said: “He is a goalscorer and considering he has been playing in a team which has been struggling