RIP 'Wanners': Welshpool stunned by tragic news

Welshpool has been left stunned by the shock news that former professional footballer Wayne Evans died suddenly in his American home on Saturday, at the age of just 51.

The former Welshpool Town, Walsall, Rochdale and Kidderminster Harriers defender, known as ‘Wanners’, chalked up almost 500 appearances in the professional game and is widely recognised as one of the finest Welsh players not to have been capped by his country.

He is believed to have died suddenly from natural causes.

Wanners was being tracked by professional clubs throughout his younger years, playing in the same Welshpool High School team as the brilliant Carl Griffiths.

He entered adult football playing alongside his talented brothers Ian and Garry for Welshpool Town, before finally signing his first professional deal with Walsall in 1993. He memorably jokingly asked Manchester United striker Andy Cole to "slow down" during their FA Cup clash (pictured). 

He went on to play 183 times for the Saddlers, before moving to Rochdale in 1999 where he became a club legend, making 297 appearances, putting him 8th on their all-time appearances list.

A brief spell at Kidderminster Harriers followed before he stepped into coaching which took him to the USA and Canada, and also a successful four-year stint as Shrewsbury Town Academy Manager.

He then moved across the Atlantic with his wife, Bev.

All of us here at MyWelshpool are devastated by the news and we would like to extend our condolences to Bev, and all of Wanners’s loved ones.

What his former clubs have said:

Shrewsbury Town Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former academy manager Wayne Evans. Wayne was head of Salop's academy for four years until 2013. The thoughts of everyone at Shrewsbury Town are with Wayne's friends and family at this sad time.

We (Rochdale) are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Dale man Wayne Evans. The full-back played 297 times for the club between 1999-2004, putting him 8th on our all-time appearances list. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tough time.

Walsall Football Club are very sad to learn that former player Wayne Evans has passed away. Wayne represented the Saddlers between 1993-1999 and will be missed by all at the Poundland Bescot Stadium. Our thoughts are with Wayne’s family and friends at this difficult time.

PICTURES: Phil Blagg captured Wanners in action many times during his brilliant professional career.