Centurian Rhys is far from finished

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Saturday 21st Jan 2006.

RHYS Evans turns 100 today and hopes his unfinished' story can serve as an inspiration to Premiership youngsters at a crossroads.

The 23-year-old has clocked up 99 league appearances for Town since joining his hometown club in the summer of 2003.

He hasn't regretted that decision despite the fact he could have gone to clubs at a higher grade who would undoubtedly offered him more money.

Evans arrived at the County Ground with two goals in mind, to improve as a goalkeeper and to gain first team experience. He has succeeded on both fronts.

He said: "At the time I felt it was the right move for me career-wise.

"A few friends thought I was crazy and if it had gone wrong there's always the danger of rotting away.

"It was a gamble in a sense but I've always had self belief.

"Of course there are going to be ups and downs but if you have a setback you just pick yourself up."

Having been released by Chelsea in the summer of 2003, Evans was linked with the likes of West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers. Bigger clubs, certainly but no guarantee of reaching the magic 100-mark in first team football.

He said: "Each individual has to make his own decision of course but maybe it's an example to other young kids leaving Premiership clubs that you can still progress, even if you're no longer at that club.

"I suppose I'll ultimately be judged on where I go from here. I don't think this is the finished story."

A clean sheet and three points would be the perfect way to celebrate his century and Evans senses a real determination to put right what went wrong at Gillingham last week.

He said: "I sense a very focused side ahead of this match. People will be looking for a reaction and we have to provide it."

The corresponding fixture last season was not a happy one for the Swindon keeper. He was beaten after less than a minute and later went off injured.

He said: "I still maintain that first one was going wide of the post until it struck a divot."

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