Ricky Evans signs for the Wingmakers

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Published: Tuesday, 27 January 2015 22:39

AIRBUS have made a surprise raid on Flintshire neighbours Gap Connah's Quay to sign highly-experienced journeyman midfielder Ricky Evans.

With striker Chris Budrys facing a three-match ban after being sent-off at Rhyl on Saturday, director of football Andy Preece has decided to bolster his squad with the 38-year-old.

Evans, who spent three years at Oldham Athletic, has now taken in no less than 11 WPL clubs.

His most settled period in the league was at TNS, where he scored 10 goals from 88 appearances. A Welsh semi-professional international and the brother of TNS and Wales defender Steve Evans, Ricky has twice been on the books of Bangor and Welshpool, signing for Cefn Druids in the summer of 2007, but was released the following October and joined Cymru Alliance Gap Queens Park. 

He rejoined Druids in season 2008/9 before moving to Bala Town, where he top-scored with 11 goals during the Lakesiders' first season in the top flight. 

Newtown then became his tenth stop in June 2010, but his stay at Latham Park lasted only two weeks and he signed instead for Aberystwyth. After 18 months at Park Avenue he parted company with the Seasiders and signed for Gap Connah's Quay in the Huws Gray Alliance in January 2012, remaining with the club as they gained promotion back to the top flight.

Evans has scored 74 goals from his 374 (+29) WPL appearances to date.

"It is great to get a player with so much experience of this league," Preece said after completing the transfer tonight.

"He demands the respect of the opposition and will give us an extra dimension. 

"It is probably the easiest deal we've done, he was so hungry for a new challenge and the battle for European football."