Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt expects striker Aaron Collins to come into his own next season after failing to nail down a regular starting berth since his arrival on transfer deadline day.
The Trotters were in the market for attacking recruits during the winter window and eventually landed the 26-year-old from League One rivals Bristol Rovers for a fee believed to be around £750,000. He made his debut just two days later, setting up Zac Ashworth’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Barnsley just moments after his introduction from the substitutes bench.
Despite his little playing time, his goal remains his only contribution to his new team. He was limited to just 25 minutes of involvement in the next two games, having started the games earlier this month against Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic.
Given that the player signed a three-and-a-half-year contract, it’s obvious that Evatt believes the player will be around the team for a while. It was always going to be difficult to get into the starting lineup right away because Bolton is the only team in League One with more goals scored than Peterborough United this season.
The 42-year-old revealed his strategy for the former Welsh youth international before of tonight’s game against Wigan Athletic, asserting that he sees him more as a long-term addition than a temporary solution:
Evatt told Bolton News, “I told you when we signed Aaron that this is one for the long term, this is one for short term.” “Bringing him in was a great opportunity, and I believe the biggest benefit will come next season.”
Naturally, he must contribute this season, but what we do here is very different from what he was accustomed to at Bristol Rovers.
He doesn’t require the extra strain. Aaron should improve for the second season, as all of the guys we have signed have done so after a preseason.
“For the time being, we must bring him up to speed as much as possible. It is difficult to get him time on the pitch and to instill the coaching detail because of the current fixture list.
“I believe we will witness him take off once we do. He is a wonderful guy and a very skilled player who has blended in well with the club, but he is still going through the integration process right now.
Bolton’s 4-1 loss on Saturday prevented them from regaining their automatic promotion spots hammering at Blackpool. They sit level on points with Derby County, although do possess a game in hand
The manager’s handling of this is wise since it gives Collins time to get used to his new environment without putting further pressure on him to start working right away. That is, of course, simple to accomplish when one is endowed with the offensive skill Bolon possesses.
The attacker might be a little miffed with his lack of playing time, but Evatt’s remarks are a great complement. The fact that the club paid as much as they did for his services indicates that they have faith that he will be a big hit at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. He is developing a team with the championship in mind.
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