Tributes to pioneer who changed face of football
‘Visionary’ made it possible for minnows to climb the ranks
AMIDLAND “footballing visionary” who changed the face of non-league football has died, aged 79.
Not only do West Bromwich Albion and Nuneaton Borough football clubs owe a debt of gratitude to Dr John Evans, so do clubs throughout the footballing leagues.
It was Tipton-born Dr Evans who made it possible for football’s minnows to climb to the Football League proper.
He was a driving force behind the launch of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 which led to promotion to the Football League and the pyramid system we know today.
Now the National League, it was made up of the 13 top clubs in the Southern League, including Nuneaton, and six from the Northern Premier League.
After studying at the University of Aberystwyth, Dr Evans began in teaching at Cardinal Newman School in Coventry and the former Alderman Smith School in Nuneaton.
But away from the classroom, he became club secretary at Nuneaton Boro in the 1970s and was described as a “brilliant football administrator”.
It was during his time there that he helped to give non-league footballers and their supporters “dreams to dream”, according to Mort Birch, former Nuneaton Evening Tribute football writer.
“Because of forward looking administration like John, every club, however humble and wherever they are on the ladder, can progress to the very top echelons of the game,” he said.
“I was at the meeting at the Cafe Royal in London when the momentous decision that put an end to the Football League’s ‘closed shop policy’ was taken and was privileged to share in his delight.
“The last time I saw Dr John was when we went on a sentimental journey to the National Football Museum in Manchester with former Borough chairman Noel Kelly, and Mike Malyon, my close pal from our Tribune days, to see the original ‘pyramid’ trophy Noel designed and
John led the formation of the Football Alliance and will be remembered as a football visionary Nuneaton Borough
donated for the Alliance Premier League.
“John became a good friend and his passing is sad, but he gave non-league football clubs and their supporters dreams to dream – and his legacy lives on.”
Dr John’s contribution to Nuneaton is one that will never be forgotten by past players and supporters alike.
His efforts are etched into the blue and white striped history. The club said: “We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr John Evans.
“John was club secretary at Nuneaton Boro FC in 1970s, led the formation of the Football Alliance and will be remembered as a football visionary.”
After leaving the ‘Boro, he went on to become secretary at Northampton Town FC before achieving a dream move to his beloved West Bromwich Albion.
He arrived at The Hawthorns in May 1989, and in July 2002, became the first club secretary to be appointed an Albion director, a position he held until his retirement in June, 2007.
He continued to attend games at The Hawthorns as a season-ticket holder, travelling from his family home in Nuneaton to join son David in the West Stand.
West Bromwich Albion said in a statement: “A trusted, knowledgeable and dedicated club servant, the Tipton-born executive held an important role during a period of great change at The Hawthorns and earned widely-held respect from football clubs across the English Football League.
“His 18-year term makes him the third-longest serving club secretary in Albion history, with only Fred and Alan Everiss having held the title longer. The club sends its heartfelt condolences to the Evans family at this difficult time.”