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Angry fans of Swindon urged to support ex-keeper’s new non league team instead

Angry fans of newly relegated Swindon Town have been urged at the weekend to support an ex-keeper’s new non league team instead.

Former Robins shot stopper Rhys Evans has encouraged disgruntled supporters of the County Ground outfit to stop giving money to owner Lee Power, and instead give it by attending matches of Swindon Supermarine instead.

The 39-year-old played for Swindon Town between 2003 and 2006 after leaving Chelsea, making 128 appearances and scooping all of the player-of-the-season awards in his final year at the soon to be League Two club.

However after a long and varied playing career which saw him play for the likes of Blackpool, Millwall, Bradford City, Southend United, Hereford and Staines Town, Evans found a role as a goalkeeping coach with the Southern League Premier Division South club in his home town.

As Supermarine prepare for another chance at promotion to National League South, Evans is calling on anyone who is keen for a fresh footballing experience to head on over to the Webbswood Stadium next season.

In a three-part post on Evans’ own Twitter account, he said: “Good morning #stfc fans. In these concerning times for the club and the understandable frustration associated, I’d like to suggest a viable alternative to you.

“For the last three seasons I have been part of the coaching team at Swindon Supermarine.

“We have missed out on promotion due to the pandemic. We try and do things correctly on the pitch and the facilities are smart, clean and welcoming.

“Some extra income from new season tickets may just help us move up a level. Your hard earned money would be very much appreciated and you’d see it at work immediately.”

Evans works with Supermarine’s goalkeeper Martin Horsell on improving his game something that has helped solidify foundations for the Blues to ‘unleash their potent attacking threats down the other end’.

In the extremely short 2020-21 season, Horsell managed two clean sheets as Supermarine won seven of their 13 games.

The club’s goalkeeping coach continued his message on social media by inviting anyone down to the Webbswood for refreshments and to talk about what it’s like being a part of Supermarine.

Evans said: “If anyone would like to come and have a pint with myself and the rest of the coaching team and allow us to show you around and explain our plan for the coming season we would gladly do so.

“We would hope to make you feel part of promotion push for the upcoming season. Thanks”

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A post shared by Alex Taylor (@actaylor96)

RHYS EVANS’ CAREER:

Senior career
1998–2003 – Chelsea
2000 → Bristol Rovers (loan) – 4 games
2001–2002 → Queens Park Rangers (loan) – 11 games
2002 → Leyton Orient (loan) – 7 games
2003–2006 – Swindon Town – 118 games
2006–2008 – Blackpool – 32 games
2007 → Bradford City (loan) – 4 games
2008 – Millwall – 21 games
2008–2009 – Bradford City – 45 games
2009–2010 – Bristol Rovers – 3 games
2010–2011 – Southend United – 13 games
2011–2012 – Staines Town – 11 games
2012–2013 – Exeter City – 5 games
2013–2014 – Hereford United – 20 games
2017–2018 – Wimborne Town – 1 game
2018 – Hereford
2019 – Royal Wootton Bassett Town

National team
2003 – England U21 – 2 games

Teams managed
2015–2018 – Hereford (goalkeeping coach)
2019–2020 – Swindon Supermarine (goalkeeping coach)
2020 – Barnet (goalkeeping coach)

Twitter users reacted with angry fans of Swindon urged to support the ex-keeper’s new non league team instead…

@socialPolly: I’m looking forward to a few away games with #STFC next season, should the current ownership battle drag on with no resolution. However, happy to support some local football on those other weekends

@JStallard20: 👏🏼 – been a few times. Class little set up! Defo worth a watch.

@kevmilsom: A message to all you disgruntled ST fans why not treat yourself to a season ticket @supermarine and enjoy a great atmosphere at what is a very ambitious football club. You will be made more than welcome and I’m sure you will enjoy some very good football.

@moonrakerteach: Absolutely – I did this seven or eight years back and will not be going back. At Supermarine you see good football at a decent price from a club that appreciates/cares about its support base.

@MorgsTimo: Plus you can talk to the gaffer & his side kick about the game they are both happy to chew the fat & are brutally honest.

@WayneWh38114456: Well said, certainly got my attention

@DeanParamount: Good on you Rhys very nicely put! It’s a decent standard of football as well and think a lot of people would really enjoy it.

@PipeSteven: I have come to the conclusion that I will not spend another penny until Power has left, love the club despise the current owner #FanPowerNotLeePower #stfc

@gibbo1012: After 13 years as a season ticket holder I will not be parting with anymore cash until power has left the club.

@robstfc: Completely agree….. but if the situation isn’t resolved quickly there will be no team to watch or club to support anyway….. feels like it is this critical….

@gazzaloz: For any fans to make this kind of stand is hard but for a dedicated and committed group like @TrustSTFC to make it shows the depth of feeling against this owner. The only amazing thing is that it has taken so long for fans to see him for what he is. #NoMoneyNoPower

@OwenHoulihan: Having interacted with @TrustSTFC often, know this position won’t have come without much soul-searching. Straight-up, committed folks just wanting better things for their club. They should be listened to. And ultimately, they are absolutely right. Wishing you the best, all #STFC

@jasonlane009: Why is no one at the trust listening to my idea of a peaceful protest, video it, send it to Clem or his QC and have it played to the judge. Judge will realise that we don’t want him and make him sell to Clem

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