WELSHPOOL is mourning the loss of one of its greatest ever footballers following the death of Wayne Evans on the weekend.
The 51 year old died suddenly in his American home.
Evans was born in Abermule on August 25th 1971, one of three brothers who would enjoy footballing careers with Welshpool Town.
While Ian and Garry went on to become key memembers of the Llansantffraid side which won the Welsh Cup in 1996, brother Wayne, or 'Wanners' as he was popular known was to enjoy a long Football League career.
Evans was part of the successful Welshpool Town to win the Cymru Alliance in 1993 and earned a move to the professional ranks with Walsall where he went on to make 183 appearaces.
Wayne Evans in action for Rochdale.
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He departed the Midlands club in 1999 and made 259 appearances for Rochdale before a final move to Kidderminister Harriers in 2005 brought the curtain down on his English Football League career.
He returned to Welshpool for his career swansong and made eight appearances for his hometown club before hanging up his boots, apart from a substitute appearance for Newtown in the Welsh Premier in 2011 though never took the field.
Evans moved into coaching with Shrewsbury Town where he worked with the youth team before starting a new life in America as a coach in Pennsylvania and Canada.
Wayne Evans in action for Rochdale.
Rochdale tweeted: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Dale man Wayne Evans.
“The full-back played 297 times for the club between 1999-2004, putting him 8th on our all-time appearances list.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tough time.
“R.I.P. Evo #RAFC”
Meanwhile Walsall Football Club also paid tribute saying: "Forming part of the team which finished Division Three runners up in 1994/95,
"Along with playing the beautiful game Evans went into coaching after hanging up his boots, as he coached Shrewsbury Town's youth team, along with spells in Canada and the United States.
"We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Wayne's family and friends during this sad time."
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