AFC Fylde is delighted to announce the signing of attacking defender Owen Evans following his departure from Gloucester City.  

The versatile left-sided player arrives at Mill Farm on a one-year deal, with the option of an extra year being held in the Club’s favour. 

Owen, an explosive, young addition to the Coasters ranks, spent several years with Swansea City and graduated from their academy, where he featured for the U18s. 

From Swansea to Salford, Evans joined the Ammies’ U21s side in 2019 before a switch to Merthyr Town after two years at the Peninsula Stadium. 

After one season back home in Wales with Merthyr, Gloucester sealed the signature of the 22-year-old and utilised him in 43 National League North fixtures, including one meeting against the Coasters at Mill Farm in March.

Owen has now agreed to link up with Adam Murray’s side ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and becomes the fifth signing of the summer behind Theo Richardson, Kieran Glynn, Jon Ustabasi and Gold Omotayo.

After welcoming the arrival of Owen, Director of Football, Chris Beech, said: “I’m really pleased to share with you the news of Owen Evans joining us for the 2023/24 season.

“At 22, he fits perfectly to compliment the more experienced left-footed players we have and gives the squad more options in the challenges it faces in the National League.

“Regarding the squad and its formation for the 23/24 season, breaking it up into four categories regarding age and its potential capability to score goals, attacking at pace, building possession, and of course, keeping goals out – they are all vital components.

“What’s pleasing is most of our players sit within their considered peak years of 24-30 years of age – Owen joins us at 22 with his best years in front of him.

“Engineering a blend in these age range categories will enable us to be at our best today and provide natural succession planning for tomorrow.

“Owen has a real attacking mindset with great crossing techniques mixed in with a robust physicality. He likes not only to attack but also to recover and regain the ball.

“He also has a great personality, which I’m sure will serve him well, a feisty element that you can see in his recovery runs, and a real tenacity in 1v1 situations, both attacking and defending.

“I’m very confident Owen will add even more honesty and intelligent energy to this squad, and while he has a fight on his hands to play, as all players do within a competitive squad, I’m sure you Coasters will join me in supporting Owen to becoming a great success here at AFC Fylde.”

Owen added: “I’m buzzing to get the deal done. I played here earlier in the season for Gloucester – it’s a massive club with a lovely stadium, and I can’t wait to get going now.” 

Welcome to AFC Fylde, Owen!