Evans has chance to make the Blades pay
CHESTERFIELD manager Danny Wilson is backing striker Ched Evans to let his feet do the talking as he lines up against former club Sheffield United for the first time since his acrimonious departure.
Evans enjoyed three fruitful years with the Blades from 2009- 2012. He was nominated for League One Player of the Season in his final campaign, having scored 35 goals in all competitions, but was released after a conviction for rape.
After serving time in prison, 27-yearold Evans, who was found not guilty on appeal last month, joined Chesterfield in June.
And, after scoring on his Spireites debut, the Welshman has since brought his tally for the season to five after netting against Colchester in the FA Cup.
Today, it’s an entirely different prospect as Evans goes up against United for the first time since – and all in front of the Sky Sports TV cameras. Wilson, though, is adamant the marksman won’t be distracted from the task.
“He’s been no different whatsoever,” said Wilson, a former Blades manager. “There has been a lot of attention on him for quite a while but he’s handled it with a lot of dignity.
“He’s got to go out and play with all his heart for Chesterfield, and he’ll do that, there’s no question. ”
Evans isn’t the only former flame set to feature, with Sheffield United forward Caolan Lavery coming up against a Spireites team for whom he scored three goals while on a one-month loan last year. The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international is raring to go after making his first Blades start in the 4-2 Checkatrade Trophy win over Grimsby.
“I’m feeling fitter, sharper and I’m ready to go now,” said 24-yearold Lavery, who will be hoping to help stretch the visitors’ unbeaten league run to 12 games.
“I enjoyed myself at Chesterfield but there’s no room for sentiment in this business. I just want to do whatever it takes to ensure we do well.”