Cardiff Met rocked by season-ending injury to club legend
Eliot Evans has been a huge part of Cardiff Met's chapter in the Cymru Premier. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Cardiff Met have been dealt a major blow with Eliot Evans set to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The midfielder will require surgery after suffering a serious knee injury, with the Cymru Premier club confirming the news in a statement.
Evans has played an important role for Cardiff Met, both on the pitch and within the wider club, making the injury a significant setback.
Cardiff Met rally behind Evans after injury blow
The club said they were “devastated” to confirm Evans had ruptured his ACL.
A statement read: “The Club are devastated to confirm that Eliot Evans has ruptured his ACL and requires surgery.
“Eliot’s contribution extends far beyond his role as a player, and he remains an integral part of the Club both on and off-pitch.
“We’re all behind you as you begin your recovery, Els.”
Evans now faces a lengthy rehabilitation period as he begins his recovery from the injury.
Evans’ decade-long career with the Archers
Evans has been with Cardiff Met for the entirety of their 10-year stay in the Welsh top flight, playing a key role throughout one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
He has lifted the Nathaniel MG Cup with the Archers and helped them qualify for the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds, progressing against Bala Town via a penalty shootout.
To date, Evans has made 340 appearances for Cardiff Met, scoring 104 goals and providing 53 assists across the last decade.
He has been out of action since March 2026, with his last appearance coming against Haverfordwest County.
Evans will remain involved during recovery
Despite the setback, Evans will remain closely involved with Cardiff Met during his recovery.
The experienced midfielder supports manager Ryan Jenkins as Assistant Manager of the Cymru Premier side, while also holding an off-the-pitch role within the club’s coaching setup.
That will allow Evans to continue contributing to the Archers while he works his way back from injury, ensuring he remains part of the first-team environment despite being unavailable as a player.
He is not alone in making that transition. Former team-mate Chris Baker has moved into a key role as the club’s Director of Football Systems, while Adam Roscrow returned to Cardiff Met before leaving this summer to rejoin Llantwit Major.
Another former Archers team-mate, Emlyn Lewis, has also continued his playing career at a higher level, now featuring in the National League South with Weston-super-Mare.
Cardiff Met sitting fourth after solid start
Cardiff Met have made a strong start to the Cymru Premier campaign despite suffering a couple of setbacks along the way.
The Archers emphatically opened the season, thrashing Holywell Town 6-1, with Jasper Payne grabbing a hat-trick.
They followed that up with an away victory over Airbus UK Broughton before suffering consecutive defeats against Barry Town United and reigning champions The New Saints.
Ryan Jenkins’ side responded in style over the Bank Holiday weekend, returning to winning ways with victory over Briton Ferry Llansawel before putting Ammanford to the sword with a 5-0 triumph.
There was another hat-trick to celebrate in that victory, with returning striker Sam Snaith marking his return to the club in spectacular fashion.
The results leave Cardiff Met sitting fourth in the Cymru Premier table, with Cambrian United next up at home on September 4.
The Archers will be hoping to maintain their positive momentum as they continue their campaign, although Evans’ latest injury represents a significant blow to Jenkins’ squad.
