Next two games make or break: Evans

Technogroup Welshpool manager Graham Evans (left) should be sponsored by a phone network based on the number of phone calls he has been forced to make this summer, but suddenly his phone is starting to ring too.

Two weeks into the Huws Gray Alliance season, and the overworked boss has pulled off a minor miracle to produce two credible performances during his side’s opening defeats, and while there is a long way to go yet, Evans believes two local derbies over four days could decide his side’s destiny.

“They are bloody huge games,” said Evans. “We are at Rhayader on Saturday who will be desperate to get their first win and then Guilsfield on Tuesday for what I am sure will be a massive local derby for both clubs. I know it is very early in the season but I believe that these two games could dictate how the season will go.”

Evans confessed to mywelshpool last month that he had phones more than 60 players after inheriting a side which had lost every single player from last season’s squad.

Since then, the signings have been coming and those new players are playing a big role now in recruiting fresh faces to the Recreation Ground.

“I am very hopeful of making four new signings very soon,” he said. “They are players currently with clubs but have approached some of our new players to ask how it is here and they have sold the club very well to them. These new lads have approached us and I am hoping they will come.”

Two of the players are believed to be with a League of Wales club, one is with an Alliance rival and a fourth based in Shropshire but with a broad knowledge of the Alliance.

While the squad continues to take shape, Evans said that off the pitch he continues to receive the support of his committee, praising them for their patience.