Will Evans (footballer, born 1997)


William Albert Evans is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a winger and striker for club Mansfield Town.

Club career

Early career

Evans was born in the Welsh village of Llangedwyn and progressed through the Shrewsbury Town youth system. Evans is from a farming family and, after being released by Shrewsbury, worked on the family farm with his father and brothers whilst playing for Llangedwyn in the Welsh fifth tier.
Evans then enrolled at Cardiff Metropolitan University and played for their football team in the Cymru Premier league after being encouraged by his cousin to go for a trial. After finishing his degree in 2020, Evans applied to be a teacher before being signed by fellow Cymru Premier club Bala Town.

Newport County

At the age of 24, Evans turned professional after signing with EFL League Two club Newport County in May 2022 for an undisclosed fee, on a two-year contract with an option for a further year. He made his football league debut for Newport on 30 July 2022 in the starting line up for the 1–1 League Two draw against Sutton United. Evans scored his first goal for Newport on 24 August 2022 in the 3–2 EFL Cup second round win against Portsmouth.
On 28 January 2024, Evans scored Newport's second goal to equalise in their eventual 4–2 FA Cup fourth round defeat to Manchester United of the Premier League. Evans finished the 2023–24 season with 21 League Two goals, and 25 in all competitions. The club triggered a one-year contract extension in May 2024.

Mansfield Town

On 6 August 2024, Evans signed for EFL League One team Mansfield Town on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

International career

On 1 April 2022, Evans made his debut for the Wales C team, scoring twice in the 4–0 win against England C. In September 2023 his Newport manager Graham Coughlan said Evans should be called-up by the Wales national team.

Playing style

Evans was deployed by Newport County manager James Rowberry at wing-back for his first two League Two matches, thereafter being selected as a striker alongside Omar Bogle. From October 2022 new Newport County manager Graham Coughlan utilised Evans both as a striker and a wing-back, playing him as a striker in the 2023–24 season due to his goalscoring form.

Honours

Individual