Evans: Gareth Joseph (Gareth)

1999-2001 (Player Details)

Defender

Born: Leeds: 15-02-1981

Debut v TSV 1860 Munich (a) (substitute): 23-08-2000

6’0” 11st 11lb (2002)

Evans joined Leeds from Rothwell Athletic in 1997 as a trainee. He featured regularly at Youth and Reserve level before finally making his debut as substitute for Matthew Jones in the European Cup Third Round Qualifying Round Second Leg game at 1860 Munich. He followed this up with a League Debut against Manchester City, when he again came on for Matthew Jones. He was allowed to leave for Huddersfield Town in August 2001. After being a regular for the Terriers in his first season, Evans had to undergo surgery on his knee and missed the whole of the 2002-03 season. He joined Blackpool in August 2003, where he was initially on a one month contract. Evans then signed a new one-year contract with Blackpool, even though a knee injury restricted him to just twenty-two league starts that season, but boss Colin Hendry had no hesitation about handing him the new deal, which included the option for a further season. He retired from football when he was unable to overcome his injury problems and was made guest of honour when Huddersfield Town played Blackpool. Blackpool were also talking about a proposed benefit match against a possible all star team.