SUPPORTERS WISH TITLE-WINNER WELL AS HE HEADS FOR EXIT
GARETH EVANS’ imminent Pompey departure has caused shock waves among the Fratton faithful on social media.
And there appears to be plenty of love for the player who is the last of the 2016-17 League Two title-winning team to depart the Blues and played a key role in the final as Pompey clinched the 2018-19 Checkatrade Trophy.
As revealed by The News, the 32-year-old is set to say goodbye to the club following 218 appearances and 37 goals.
After falling down the pecking order at the Blues, his five-year spell on the south coast will come to an end, with the attacking midfielder keen to play regular first-team football and be closer to his Greater Manchester-based family.
League Two Bolton could be his next destination, although there has been interest from five or six other clubs.
Wherever he ends up, though, Evans departs knowing he’ll always be appreciated and loved by the fans at Fratton Park.
Here’s a selection of the views they shared via our Facebook page.
Brett Harley: Absolutely love Gareth Evans - consummate professional who has never let us down.
The amount of positions this guy has played in for us and goals he has banged in should never be forgotten.
Easily one of my favourite players from recent years and I completely understand him wanting to get more matches elsewhere.
I wish him and his family all the very best with my thanks for some great memories - top man!
Trevor Sutch: A great servant
for Pompey but rightfully a L2 player. The very best of luck to the lad. PUP.
Carl Allen: Could easily see him in a top L2 team challenging for the title, got nothing but respect for what he has achieved here in the 5yrs he been with us. He wants to play which is fair enough so i wish him all the best and good luck.
Joe Spratt: Be nice for him to be at a club that appreciates him. He is always under valued.
Paul Gregory: All the best Gareth a true blue, hope everything works out for you, but Jackett won't get anyone better in and if he does will be another defensive player so he can keep clean sheets and not score.
Chris Barter: At last....Jackett gets his wish, his poor man management applies to this guy in particular, at the end of the day a Cook signing.
Glenn Mcguiness: As long as we get a better player than him in to take Bryn Morris’s place in the team.
Steve Mac: Makes perfect sense - need to improve the 1st team - Evans is a reserve & an average league 1 player - need better players than GE to move onwards & upwards. Top attitude thou no doubting that.
Mikey PW: The final member of the successful Paul Cook era.
Dan Knight: This one will hurt for sentimental reasons not footballing ones.
Chris Walker: He's not a top League 1 player right now in my opinion and we need players who can operate to get us up to that level.
He’s been a great servant to the club and never gives anything less than 110% so a massive thank you.