There was a piece of club history last Saturday when Aled Evans became the first player to play in 100 men’s first team matches. For Evans there was also the satisfaction of a goal in helping the side to their first win of the season.
Reaching the milestone is a testament to Evans’ longevity and consistency with the club and there has barely been a first team game he hasn’t been available or selected for since he joined the club in the summer of 2019.
During that time, Aled has played in more or less every outfield position, being one of the club’s “locker room leaders”, a first team vice-captain for several years and he led the club in the 2024 Bernard Martin Cup final in the absence of Liam Ormson.
Men’s head coach John Radnor said about Evans reaching his century of first team games.
“[It’s a] huge achievement. [Aled is a] key player in the team who has set the standards for years and challenges players to be at the levels we expect to be. Wherever he plays, he’s always one of the best players on the park and is hugely respected by everyone at the club.”
We caught up with Aled after Saturday’s win and asked him to reflect on the ups and down of 100 senior team appearances for the Black Sheep.
Aled, congratulations on reaching 100 senior first team appearances for the club. What are your thoughts about that?
AE: It’s an honour to be the first to achieve this milestone and something that I’d not really thought would be on the cards when signing at 33 years old. It feels good to still be considered a part of the first team after six years and I still love going out on the pitch every week.
Scoring a goal and getting the win must have added something extra to the occasion too.
AE: Obviously it was a nice bonus to get a goal, an assist and three points on my 100th first team appearance.
What have been your favourite moments over the 100 games, both person and as a team?
AE: The cup run in 2023/24 and securing promotion last season are obvious highlights but there were also big performances like beating Cefn Hengoed 3-2 during our great escape a few seasons back, which really stand out in the memory for the character and quality we showed against a team we weren’t expected to beat.
On a personal level, leading the team out in the cup final was a real honour and scoring the winner on my 100th overall senior appearance as it was the first game after my boy was born. I loved getting a hat-trick against the Mason’s Arms last year but wish teams would stop dropping out [of the league] after I score against them!
Are there any what ifs you look back on?
AE: It would be interesting to see how the cup final might have played out in different conditions. I think our performance on the day deserved more but the pitch meant it was too difficult to really get going.
You have played a variety of positions and had a variety of roles within the team, which have you enjoyed the most?
AE: [Playing as a] centre forward has been my preferred position so I’m happy to be having a run of games there now but I just want to play so I’m happy to play anywhere.
However, I’m not sure I want to relive Ryan [Wheeler]’s experiment of playing me at left back though.
Let’s say you play another 100 games, what do you hope the team will have achieved over that time?
AE: If I make it to 200, I’d obviously like to see us build the squad into one that is competing at the top of the league and one day play in a higher division but ultimately I’d like the club to keep being a place that gives players a chance who might not get one elsewhere and being a great bunch of players, coaches and supporters.
When your time at the club comes to an end, what do you hope your legacy will be?
AE: I’m not really sure how to answer that but I’d like people to see me as someone who gave their all and try to replicate that in their own performance.
I’ve really enjoyed seeing some of the younger players come through so I’d hope that I can play some part in helping them to develop into their full potential.
