IAN Evatt says Wanderers had known for some time that Marcus Maddison was struggling to settle at the club.

It was announced this afternoon that the 27-year-old midfielder was being released from his loan spell and would be returning to Charlton Athletic immediately.

Evatt had hoped a return to first team football on Saturday against Harrogate would have given Maddison a boost but after struggling during, he was substituted at half time.

On Sunday the Bolton boss had a discussion with the player and his representatives and both parties came to the conclusion that he should return home.

Maddison had been living at the Bolton Whites Hotel during lockdown and it is understood that he had felt separated from his young daughter, which had affected his mental well-being.

“Myself, Marcus and his agent had a really long talk on Sunday about everything,” Evatt told The Bolton News. “I also had another chat with the PFA to make sure we could get Marcus the best help and support.

“Football takes a back seat in all this. People need to respect his privacy and wish him well, so hopefully he can get himself back in the right place.”

Maddison made 10 appearances for Bolton after signing on loan from Charlton on transfer deadline day. His start against Harrogate was only his fourth for the club, however, and in recent weeks there had been great debate among Wanderers fans about the role the playmaker could have in the season run-in.

Evatt said that on a day-to-day basis, however, signs that the player was feeling low were plain to see.

“It is not difficult to tell, being honest,” he said. “And if you spoke to Marcus he would say we have supported him all the way through.

“We tried to give him game time, for instance a start on Saturday, to try and rekindle the fire and happiness and obviously it didn’t work out. In many ways it made it worse and magnified things.

“First and foremost, we’re human and it isn’t just about football, it’s about people’s lives and their feelings. Marcus has had my full support on his mental well-being and he will continue to have my full support, along with Sharon and everyone else’s at this football club.”