1:21am Thursday 9th October 2008
By Michael Pearlman
NEWPORT County have agreed the release of Richard Evans.
The former Sheffield Wednesday man has been a key figure for the Exiles for the past two-and-a-half years and was part of the side that won the FAW Premier Cup last year, but has found himself on the periphery this term.
The left-winger was persuaded to stay at Spytty Park over the summer after holding talks with Bath City.
However, he was surprisingly left out of the Exiles squad for the season opener against Wimbledon, before starting against Eastleigh in the second game of the campaign.
Despite County's poor form this term, Evans has been firmly out of favour since the Exiles lost in Hampshire back in August.
He has featured just once since in that time, starting at Dorchester in the FA Cup two weeks ago, a game in which he was substituted at the interval.
The move to release Evans is hardly surprising as manager Dean Holdsworth has chosen impressive youngster Danny Rose on the left for the majority of the campaign.
Holdsworth also has wide men Kevin Cooper and Paul Hall at his disposal, with defensive reinforcements a bigger priority at the present time.
The Argus understands that Evans was encouraged by boss Holdsworth to leave the club on a loan deal last month, but was seemingly not keen on the idea.
Supporters have been speculating for weeks that Evans would soon be leaving the club and his departure was confirmed by County's E news service last night.
It explained: Dean has today reached an amicable agreement with Richard Evans to terminate his contract. The Board understands that Richard is keen to play regular football which the Club could not guarantee, hence a mutual agreement to part.
“The club thanks Richard for his contribution and wishes him all the best for the future.”
The E news also detailed news of a benefit night for Ian Hillier and detailed two break-ins at Bar Amber.
"On a slightly sour note, we have to report that BarAmber has been the subject to two break ins in the past week," the statement explained.
"The incident last week was relatively minor with damage to a window, however the break in over night was significantly worse with damage to windows, grills, shutters and interior fittings.
"The flatscreen TV and several bottles of spirits were taken.
"As with everything these things cost money and the more money BarAmber has to spend on repairs, replacing stolen goods and on enhanced security coupled with increased insurance premiums means less funds to give to the parent club.
"If you are offered cheap spirits, or a flatscreen TV at a cheap rate we would ask that this information is passed to a committee member.
"Days like today are soul destroying for the committee members who give so much to make your club a success."
It continued: "A reminder to all those supporters who have booked tickets for the Ian Hillier benefit night in January 2009 that payment needs to be made by the end of November 2008.
"It is our aim to give Ian and his family the money from the ticket sales before Christmas. Please see Lisa to make your payments. For those of you who have not reserved your tickets time is running out, with only 40 tickets remaining for sale - reserve yours now by contacting Lisa on 07801 710804."
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk