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DoDTS

The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Joined
Apr 28, 2006
Messages
10,841
Location
PL Headquarters Hullbridge
As there has been comparison between Jason Demitriou and Jimmy Evans I thought it might be worth explaining a bit about Jimmy Evans.

Monday 13th October 1919
Mid Rhonda 0-0 Southend United

A guarantee match was played in Wales against Mid Rhonda at Tonypandy in front of a large crowd, renewing acquaintances from Southend’s days in the Southern League Second Division. A trial was given to Jimmy Evans who originated from Rhyl, who played splendidly. He was signed by the club after the match.

In 1919-20 Evans made 26 appearances and the following season the clubs first in the football league he made 34 appearance, but failed to score in any off these matches.

1921-22 was the worst season in the clubs history finishing both bottom both in Division 3 (South) and the Southern League (Reserve team). The club in only its second season in the League had to apply for re-election and could have lost their place in the FL. The problem was goal scoring, the forwards just couldn't score. Jimmy Evans was appointed penalty taker and scored 10 out of 11 penalties. When Ted Birnie was appointed Manager in January 1923, Evans was made club captain.

He was a talented player and soon earned recognition from Wales:

Saturday 4th February 1922
Jimmy Evans the Southend full back received his first International cap when he played in the Welsh win over Scotland at Wrexham. He was in fact second choice but the Plymouth Full back was denied permission to play. Considering the dire situation Southend were in it was very sporting of the club to given their permission. Evans had been reserve in the Wales team when Lot Jones got his call up two years previously and he did well in this game. The Daily Express said “J Evans rendered excellent service” the Daily Chronicle said “The two new backs with the two new forwards had a big share in the victory”.

Monday 13th March 1922
Jimmy Evans gained his second International cap when he played at Anfield, Liverpool for Wales in their 0-1 defeat against England. The papers said “Daily News – Russell and Evans were more daring and effective than the English backs” “Sporting Life –the selectors are evidently pleased with Evans as he has been chosen to play against Ireland”.

Saturday 1st April 1922
Jimmy Evans was absent again as he got his third Welsh cap when playing for Wales v Ireland in a 1-1 draw at Windsor Park Belfast. He had gained caps against England, Ireland and Scotland in his first international season. In the 1920s which was before World Cups or European Championships, the home International Tournament was the big National tournament and for Jimmy Evans to have played in all three when playing for a side at the bottom of the Third Division was quite an achievement.

Cleary goal scoring was our problem, Jimmy Evans had done more than could have been expecting of him finishing top scorer with ten penalties, but a host of other forwards couldn’t do their job. Harry Pidgeon and Billy Ruddock finished equal second league scorers with four goals apiece. Jimmy Evans was only 5 foot 6 and a half, but was capped by Wales and had an unusual style, his swooping run in and shot becoming something of a trademark

INTER LEAGUE GAME
J. Evans has been picked to play for the Southern League against the Welsh at Portsmouth on October 4th the selection seems peculiar seeing that J.H. Evans played for the Welsh last season. Martin has similarly honoured.
From Southend Standard 28th September 1922

Full backs and Half backs at this time (Jimmy played in both positions at different times) were not expected to go too far forward and score goals but he was now also scoring goals other than penalties.

Saturday 3th February 1923
The reserves had an attractive home game against Tottenham, which was also part of a comeback by full back Jimmy Evans, and it was him who opened the scoring after only four minutes with” as a fine a shot as ever beat a goalkeeper at the Kursaal” however Spurs superiority showed eventually as they won 1-2

DEPARTURE OF JIMMY EVANS
Jimmy Evans has played his last game for Southend. On Saturday night, following his excellent exhibition at Brighton, he was transferred to Burnley. It was well known to those possessing inside information that the Lancashire First League Club have had eyes on him for some time and they were watching him at the Goldstone Ground. The announcement was met with general and genuine by followers of the fortunes of the Blues, among whom Evans was a popular favourite. The directors of the Southend Club require money to face the heavy outlay of the close season with a loss of about £5,000 last season they must reduce the heavy overdraft at the bank. This fact and this alone induced the club to part with Evans. The fee was a moderate one and not at all in accord with some of the inflated sums with which rumour has flooded the town.
From the Southend Standard 26th April 1923

In 1922-23 Jimmy Evans had made 29 appearances and 5 goals.


I believe after his playing days he went back to Rhyl and ran a guest house but there was always a special welcome for any Southend fans that stayed with him.

Hope this of interest DoDtS
 
He had a style when taking penalties. He would let the ref know he was taking them, then run up from the halfway line!

I think actually Naps, instead of running straight at the goal he used run almost parallel with the goal line it might have worked then but I don't think Jason should try it now. :cry:
 
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