Midfielder's Christmas bombshell

Montgomery midfielder Tom Evans (right) has dropped a Christmas bombshell by quitting the Spar Mid Wales League high flyers to join Technogroup Welshpool.

 

Evans has been instrumental in the middle of midfield for Montgomery’s return to prominence and is believed to have broken the news to manager Clive McNamee on Christmas Day. He will join his new club immediately.

 

McNamee said: “Whilst we are disappointed to lose Tom, we would not want to stand in his way of playing at a higher level. His loss will be significant but it now gives someone else a chance to step up to the plate.

 

“We would like to place on record our thanks to Tom for his efforts since he returned from TNS two seasons ago and we wish him well for the future.”

 

McNamee has a knack of ably replacing key players after losing Shane Kirkham earlier in the season to Abermule and bringing in Stuart Buckley-Robins. But he is unsure whether he will dip into the January sales just yet for a replacement.

 

“I will see how we cope for the next few games before deciding whether we need to add to the squad. If we stay injury and suspension free I believe we still have enough quality here to realise our promotion aspirations.”

 

Welshpool manager Chris Herbert (left) is delighted with his capture.

 

“Tom is an exciting signing for us,” said Herbert. “He is a tough tackler, and can also play a bit. He decided the time was right to make the step up to the Alliance and I see Tom as one of the lads that are the future of Technogroup Welshpool. He is still only 21 and has a big future, and I’m sure myself and Benji can improve him further.”

 

Herbert also said that the signing sends a clear message that the club intends to change its ways and invest in local talent.

 

“It took some convincing that Welshpool was the club for him, as he was fully aware of how youngsters around the Welshpool area have been treated and ignored by previous managers. But this goes to show that we are doing everything we can to get the local talent back to the club. I’ve still got a couple more signings on my radar; hopefully they will show their trust in us like Tom has.”