Evans: Gareth Joseph (Gareth)

1999-2001 (Leeds Player Details)(Player Details)

Defender

Born: Leeds: 15-02-1981

Debut v TSV 1860 Munich (a) (substitute): 23-08-2000

6’0” 11st 11lb (2002)

Evans joined Leeds from Rothwell Athletic in 1997 as a trainee. He featured regularly at Youth and Reserve level before finally making his debut as substitute for Matthew Jones in the European Cup Third Round Qualifying Round Second Leg game at 1860 Munich. He followed this up with a League Debut against Manchester City, when he again came on for Matthew Jones. He was allowed to leave for Huddersfield Town on 9th August 2001. After being a regular for the Terriers in his first season, Evans had to undergo surgery on his knee and missed the whole of the 2002-03 season. He was not retained by the Terriers at the end of the season and was given a free transfer. He joined Blackpool on 19th August 2003, where he was initially on a one month contract. Evans then signed a new contract with Blackpool, until the end of the season with an option for a further year. Even though a knee injury restricted him to just twenty-two league starts that season, in May 2005, boss Colin Hendry had no hesitation about handing him a new deal to June 2006, which also included the option for a further season. Unfortunately, in February 2006 he retired from football when he was unable to overcome his injury problems and was made guest of honour when Huddersfield Town played Blackpool. Blackpool were also talking about a proposed benefit match against a possible all star team.