Ian Evatt reveals Kieran Sadlier talks and motivation for Bolton Wanderers exit | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has revealed why midfielder Kieran Sadlier left the club on loan last week.

It was confirmed on Friday that League Two side Leyton Orient had signed Sadlier on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 28-year-old has been on the fringes of the Wanderers team this season, despite the fact that he has made 28 appearances for the Trotters this season and scored five goals.

However, the midfielder only started one game in the league, with all his other appearances coming as late cameos off the bench.

While his most starts came in the EFL Trophy, he started five of Wanderers’ six games in that competition.

The 28-year-old made his debut for Orient on Saturday, playing 89 minutes in their 1-0 defeat to Tranmere Rovers.

The Bolton manager has now explained why Sadlier was allowed to leave the club on loan, despite being a popular member amongst the Bolton fans.

Evatt told The Bolton News

“Obviously when he signed, we were playing 4-3-3 and we had the conversation about moving to 3-5-2 and having had a lot more success with it. Predominantly he has been used in the wing-back areas and although he will do that as an impact substitute, it is not really him, or his bag.

“We had a conversation about playing there, and also the forward areas, but for me there were other targets I knew I wanted in the building, and I couldn’t guarantee his playing time.

“Sads is at an age where he wants, he be playing regular first-team football and wants to be starting every single week, and at the moment we couldn’t offer him that. We always try to do right by our players, and we allowed him to go out on loan.”

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The Verdict

Sadlier never really got going at the University of Bolton Stadium since he joined the club and having failed to nail down a regular starting spot and being used sporadically, it came as no surprise he departed the Trotters.

The team’s change of formation and new signings in the summer and in this transfer window mean Sadlier is likely going to find it even more difficult to be a strong member of the team.

Plus, Lloyd Isgrove is working his way back to full fitness, and he is seen as another player who can play in wing-back roles, so with plenty of options at the club, it’s clear to see why Sadlier was allowed to leave.