Former United legend leaves coaching post (From Stroud News and Journal)

Former United legend leaves coaching post

FORMER Shortwood United boss John Evans has left his role as Slimbridge caretaker manager after failing to land the role in a permanent capacity.

The hugely experienced Evans called time on his role at the Wisloe Road club on Thursday of last week, just two days before Slimbridge's 4-0 defeat at the hands of title hopefuls Didcot Town.

Evans had stepped up from the position of first team coach to the caretaker role following the surprise resignation of former boss Doug Gray in February, and had been in charge for almost two months.

However, it is thought that he was keen to take on the manager's job as opposed to continuing as a team coach, and left after being informed by club chiefs that he was not going to get the role he coveted.

An official club statement read: "Caretaker manager John Evans has left the club by mutual consent after being informed his application for the vacant manager's position had been unsuccessful.

"John had made it clear he would not want to continue as team coach under another manager.

"The club wish to put on record their heartfelt thanks for his invaluable contribution over the last two seasons and wish him well for the future.

Evans joined Slimbridge in the summer of 2003 in a surprise appointment that saw him leave Hellenic League Premier Division rivals Shortwood for newly-promoted 'Bridge, where his principal concerns were first team coaching and training duties, as well as scouting for fresh talent.

A former Cheltenham Town player, he has much experience of coaching at a high non-league level and once managed Forest Green Rovers before taking the helm at Shortwood.