Ian Evatt revealed Sam Allardyce and some of the Bolton legends spoke to him about the current Wanderers team and the good work they are doing on the pitch and is evidence of the positive trajectory the club is going on.
Evatt has been boss at Wanderers since last summer and oversaw the club's promotion out of League Two in the previous campaign.
Bolton currently sit 11th in League One and six points from the play-offs as things stand.
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Allardyce and a host of legendary former Wanderers players were back at their old stomping ground over the weekend with a legends match fundraising match to raise funds for the treatment of Bolton defender Gethin Jones' mum Karen, who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Okocha put the All Star XI team - managed by legendary Bolton boss Allardyce - ahead in the first half from the penalty spot, before George Thomason, Nathan Delfouneso and Xavier Amaechi put the current Wanderers side in front at the break.
Wanderers boss Evatt came off the bench in the second half to net a hat trick, while Dapo Afolayan also netted for the hosts.
Chris Eagles found the back of the net twice, while John McGinlay netted from the penalty spot for the legends after the break in a 7-4 friendly clash.
Evatt revealed discussions with the likes of Allardyce, comedian and Bolton fan Paddy McGuiness and the club's legends where they spoke about the current team and the work currently being done at the University of Bolton Stadium.
And he outlined how much that meant to the Wanderers dressing room and backroom staff that such figures take an active interest in the club and are pleased to see it on its way back.
Evatt said: "I think it’s a huge sign of the direction this club is heading in. What was most palpable for me was Big Sam, Paddy (McGuinness) and some of the legends talking to me about my team and what we’re trying to do and how we’re doing things.
"They were very appreciative of the job I’m doing and also the job the players are doing – that meant a lot to us all.
"They’re all very happy to see the club on its way back, we feel it is. We’re all pulling in the same direction and 13,000 fans here to witness that is amazing."
Of the day, legendary former Wanderers boss Allardyce said: "I loved it and the fans made it.
"It wouldn’t have been the same without so many there.
“It was incredible turn-out and magnificent to see so many coming to watch some of the great players we’ve had here and the team Ian has got now.
“It was lovely to see the players back and to catch up with them all and – most importantly – raise a lot of money for such an important cause.”
