Seven-time Wales international given takes up first-team manager job at Colwyn Bay
CAERNARFON, WALES - 14 AUGUST 2021: Caernarfon Town fans applaud their team after winning 2-0 during the JD Cymru Premier league fixture between Caernarfon Town FC & Haverfordwest County AFC, The Oval, Caernarfon, Wales, 14th August, Wales, UK. (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
Caernarfon Town defender Steve Evans has left the club to become first-team manager Colwyn Bay.
The 42-year-old, who came out of retirement earlier this season takes on his first job in senior management.
Colwyn Bay have been on the search for a new manager after parting company with Craig Hogg a fortnight ago.
“I think it’s a perfect fit and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead,” said Evans on his appointment at the Four Crosses Construction Arena.
“Getting back into management was always the plan and Caernarfon always knew that’s what I wanted to do and where I see my future.
“I’ve earned my stripes so to speak through the Scholarship at TNS and then as assistant manager and now I’ve got the opportunity as a manager.
“It’s a fantastic club with masses of potential. Everybody knows that it’s one of the biggest clubs in Wales.
“I can’t wait to get started and hopefully the fans will be allowed back soon and the team can play in front of them again.”
Embed from Getty ImagesEvans has played in 15 of the Canaries’ matches this season and has been an influential figure in their backline.
It meant that a deal had to be agreed between the two clubs but chairman Neil Coverley was appreciative of the smooth negotiation.
“I’d like to express my thanks to both Paul Evans, the Caernarfon chairman, and manager Huw Griffiths for their understanding on this matter,” he ssaid.
“The respect they have for Steve and the way this has all been handled was great to hear and be part of.
“I am looking forward to thanking them in person soon.”
The former Wrexham defender has been studying for his UEFA Pro Licence and successful completion of the course would entitle him to manage a Cymru Premier club.
He had been on the same course as Cardiff City legends Mark Hudson and Robert Earnshaw, as well as AS Roma assistant coach João Sacramento.
The Seagulls are currently sixth in the Cymru North, 18 points off league leaders Airbus UK.
They do have top-flight ambitions though after making the move across from the English pyramid system and have seen big crowds since their return to Welsh football.
His previous coaching experience includes various roles at his former club The New Saints where he had a degree of success as a player.
Making over 250 appearances for TNS, he won the league four times, whilst he represented Wales whilst registered as a non-league player for Wrexham.
Evans was the right-hand man to Scott Ruscoe during his spell in charge of the team but left in March 2021, where they were replaced by Antony Limbrick.
