ALVECHURCH | PERFECT PLACE

Emerging EFL goalkeeper Redman Evans is thriving on loan

As a young goalkeeper making his way in the game, Redman Evans couldn’t be in a better place right now.

The highly-rated young Swindon Town stopper joined Pitching In Southern League Premier Central outfit, Alvechurch, on loan at the start of the season where he has come under the wing of manager, Tim Flowers, Premier League winner and former England international goalkeeper.

Evans’ impressive displays this term have seen his loan extended until the end of the season.

“Working under Tim Flowers has been amazing,” Evans told us. “The advice and support that I have been given has been incredible.

“I am fortunate to be able to tap into his knowledge and experience at the very highest level of the game; I have learned so much from him already and I know that there is still a lot more to learn, so I am delighted to extend my stay until the end of the season.

“It’s massive for young players like myself to be able to go out on loan and experience competitive men’s football. It’s completely different to what you get in U18 and U21 matches and it’s been such a big learning curve for me since my first loan at Westbury United.

“The biggest thing for me was the physical aspect because you’re up against grown men rather than kids your age. The pressure and big moments on the pitch, especially in my position, could be the difference between winning and losing games.

“My first loan spell with Westbury at Step 4 was a great experience; I absolutely loved it, the staff and players made it easy for me to settle down and take that next step.

“It was challenging at first but after a few games I got into the swing of things and my confidence grew as a result.

“I then joined Hungerford Town at Step 3 and it was a step up in standard; the League has more technical and physical players and the tempo was a lot quicker, so that helped me continue my progression and become a better player.

“This season at Alvechurch has been incredible; we have a strong team here with plenty of potential and I am delighted to be part of it, which has been reflected in my performances, with ten clean sheets already.

“The hardest thing at any level is consistency and I feel that I am adding this to my game now. I am pleased with my clean sheet record and I’m determined to add more as we go along.

“There’s a nice mix of youth and experience here and I am very happy to extend my stay until the end of the season as it means I can really knuckle down and focus all of my attention on the task in hand.

“The Premier Central is a hard League; even more physical than the Premier South, which I played in last season. There’s a lot of emerging talent alongside experienced players who know the game inside out and how what it takes to win games.”

So, what are the aims and targets for the season?

“I want to have a positive impact in every game I play,” he added. “I want to put in a consistent level of performance and continue to learn from those around me.

“The long-term goal is to be number one at the highest level possible and enjoy my football. I don’t want to be second-choice sat on the bench, I want to be out there playing games because being a footballer is a short career.

“I want to make the most of my playing days and play with a smile on my face.”

IMAGE: Alvechurch FC

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