Tributes to man who changed face of non-league football
News Reporter
A ‘FOOTBALLING visionary’ is how Dr John Evans is being remembered after the Nuneaton man who changed the face of non-league football passed away at 79.
Not only do West Bromwich Albion and Nuneaton Borough football clubs owe a debt of gratitude to him, as their former secretary, so do clubs throughout the footballing leagues.
For Dr John, as he was fondly known, helped to change the face of non-league football in the late 1970s. He was a driving force and leading figure behind the setting up of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 which led to promotion and relegation with the Football League and the pyramid system as we know it today.
Now the National League, it was made up the 13 clubs top clubs in the Southern League, including the Boro, and six from the Northern Premier League. Because of forward-looking administrators like John, footballers can achieve the dream of progressing from grassroots level right through to the Football League.
But his career, after studying at the University of Aberystwyth, began in teaching and he will be fondly known by ex pupils of both Cardinal Newman School in Coventry and also the former Alderman Smith School in Nuneaton.
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 at the ‘Boro that he helped to give non-league footballers and their supporters ‘dreams to dream’ according to Mort Birch, former Nuneaton Evening Tribune football writer.
“Because of forward-looking administrators 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.”
He added: “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 donated for the Alliance Premier League.”
He added: “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.
“We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr John Evans,” said Nuneaton Boro.
“John was club secretary at Nuneaton Boro FC in the 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 boyhood dream move to his beloved West Bromwich Albion. He arrived at The Hawthorns in May 1989 and In July 2002 he 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.
“A trusted, knowledgeable and dedicated club servant, the Tiptonborn 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,” said West Bromwich Albion.
“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.”
His funeral details have yet to be announced.