Gateshead have completed the signing of Cardiff City midfielder Kieron Evans on loan for the remainder of the season, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
The 22-year-old has returned to the National League as a direct replacement for Stephen Wearne who departed for League Two side MK Dons to follow former manager Mike Williamson.
Who is Kieron Evans?
Evans is a product of Cardiff City’s youth setup, rising through the Academy ranks and had made 11 first-team appearances for the Bluebirds whilst contributing to two goals in the process.
He’s also had loan spells with Northern Irish side Linfield as well as National League South Side Torquay United. During these two spells, Evans has made 42 first-team appearances.
Big boots to fill
Evans is likely to be the direct replacement for Stephen Wearne, who followed Mike Williamson and Kyron Lofthouse to League Two side MK Dons.
Wearne scored 11 goals in 23 league games for Gateshead before completing a transfer to Stadium M.K for an undisclosed fee earlier this month.
The battle to reach the playoffs
Gateshead have had a difficult period since losing Mike Williamson, with a series of first-team players such as Kyron Lofthouse, Stephen Wearne and Archie Mair all leaving the National League side.
The club are currently winless in their last four matches and almost suffered an FA Trophy exit at the weekend. Rob Elliott remains in caretaker charge ahead of their trip to Dorking Wanderers with the side sitting eighth in the table, one point shy of the top seven.
Writer’s View
The playmaker had a difficult spell with goal contributions at Torquay United but his loan was certainly successful in terms of minutes, playing a large amount of matches.
Evans is a talented player and needs a club to take a punt on him and that is something that Gateshead have certainly done. With him being out of favour, there is every chance of a permanent switch at the end of the season.