Caersws legend Graham Evans reflects on lifetime in game

The son of Wrexham legend Mickey Evans, Evans junior cut his teeth in the League of Wales with Caersws in the late 90s.

A move to FA Premier League giants Aston Villa followed before returning to Wales.

Evans would go on to help Caersws qualify for Europe and enjoy a stellar domestic career, earning Wales C caps.

Following retirement, Evans managed Caersws for several years and is currently championing Central Wales as a member of the Football Association of Wales council.

Evans shares insights into his career and advice to up and coming football players.

1. What was the biggest achievement in your Welsh football playing career?

My Wales caps and goals. Whilst not at full level, pulling on the red shirt and singing the anthem at schoolboy and semi professional/Wales ‘C’ level, is something I’ll always be proud of.

League of Wales Player of the Year voted by managers is also up there.

Throwback: Graham Evans from Caersws Football Club awarded the League of Wales Golden Boot for most goals last season 2003-04.

Graham Evans and Alun Evans of the FAW.

2. What was the biggest disappointment in your Welsh football playing career?

It’s a toss up between the 2018 relegation with Caersws and losing in the 2009 Welsh Cup Final for Aberystwyth. Both gutting experiences in different ways.

3. Biggest inspiration in your career?

Without doubt my dad, Mickey. Was both my biggest critic and supporter, he knew how to push you to get the best out of you and learnt so much from him.

4. Best ground you ever played at?

Villa Park. Playing at the Racecourse Wrexham was also a special moment.

File photo dated 19-03-2020 of Villa Park, home of Aston Villa. PA Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 14, 2021. The Premier League has announced Sunday's match between Aston Villa and Everton has been postponed. See PA story SOCCER Coronavirus. Photo cr

Villa Park.

5. Best team-mate?

I’ve been fortunate enough to be in some great squads with fantastic team mates. I could pick a lot of players for very different reasons, but I’ll go with Hughie Clarke, 100 per cent committed, a unique character in the dressing room, rarely on the losing side in training (excluding running) and would always put his nose on the line for you.

Hugh Clarke and his Caersws team-mates walk out in Dupnitsa.

Hugh Clarke and Graham Evans line-up against Marek.

6. Most difficult opponent?

There were numerous in the Welsh Premier who you knew you’d be in a game from, but I always enjoyed those games and took it as compliment. But over a period of time I’d have to say Steve Evans at TNS. He could play, read the game so well and certainly mixed it when needed.

7. Most memorable match?

Home tie versus Bulgarian dude FK Marek Dupnitsa in the Intertoto Cup.

A massive day for the club, a proud full hearted performance in front of a big crowd at a ground I always enjoyed playing at.

Also worthy of a mention is the League Cup win against Barry Town who are still arguably the best team the top tier has seen.

Graham Evans scores for Caersws against PFC Marek in the Inter Toto Cup. Pic by Phil Blagg

Graham Evans scores against Marek.

8. Advice to a young player?

The most successful players are the ones who are committed and work the hardest, you cannot just rely on talent.

You’ll get ups and downs, listen and learn from mistakes, and don’t be afraid to test yourself out of your comfort zone.

Train with the same intensity as a match, and make sure you come off the pitch knowing that you’ve given it your all – it’s too late afterwards if not. If there are regrets, put it right in the next game.