FORMER Swindon Town stopper Rhys Evans has been announced as Swindon Supermarine’s goalkeeping coach for the 2019-20 season.

Evans, who made over 100 appearances for Town between 2003 and 2006, had recently enjoyed a short spell at Royal Wootton Bassett in a playing capacity before receiving a call from Marine in regard to a coaching role at the club.

The 37-year-old was first approached by ex-teammate Martin Horsell, who Evans played alongside at both Hereford United and Hereford FC, before manager Lee Spalding put forward a formal request to the experienced stopper.

Explaining how the change in goalkeeping coach came about, Spalding said: “James Whitlock – our current goalkeeping coach – has got a problem with his Achilles and he potentially needs an operation, so he’s going to miss quite a bit of time.

“It was then a case of looking for someone who could commit for the season – I spoke to a few people and Rhys’ name came up.

“He’d worked with Martin Horsell before at Hereford, so Martin had a chat with him and then I had a meeting with Rhys to let him know what we were looking to do and what his plans were for the season.

“He told me he was interested; he was impressed with what the club were trying to do, and he was happy to come on board and commit for the season.”

Evans will oversee Horsell, as well as up to two potential new signings, in the goalkeeping department as Marine aim to better their 11th place finish from last season with a largely similar squad to the one that ended the 2018-19 term.

The Marine chief admitted he felt fortunate to welcome Evans to the club and felt it was a ‘no-brainer’ to invite the qualified goalkeeping coach to tutor his young glovemen.

Spalding said: “It was a good fit and we’re fortunate to have someone like Rhys – who’s got the experience of playing in the football league – on board with us.

“He’s a qualified goalkeeping coach and he’s obviously very good at it.

“Martin speaks very highly of him and we feel very fortunate to bring someone of his stature in.

“It was a bit of a no-brainer when I knew he was available and we found ourselves in a position where we needed a goalkeeping coach.

“It would have been silly of me not to have at least chased him up.

“We’re delighted to have him on board and I’m sure he’ll improve our young goalkeepers.”