For many Town fans, Jack Evans embodies the spirit and selflessness they want to see in their team.
The all-action midfielder has become a firm fans’ favourite at The Shay thanks to his wholehearted style, as well as establishing himself as one of the first names on Chris Millington’s team sheet.
After a first season of being in and out of the side and playing in different positions, Evans is one of the mainstays of the team, and is arguably its beating heart in central midfield.
“In my first year, I was transitioning into the National League so going into the season, I wanted to make an impact and get as much game time as I could,” he said.
“At times I was coming in and out (of the team) but I just wanted to make my mark if I was coming off the bench, in whatever position it was.
“I was happy to because it was just about game time and trying to help us push towards getting in the play-offs.
“I really wanted to try and establish myself and now I see myself as a senior player amongst the group because of the age (of the squad).
“It’s great for me because I’ve got that responsibility at a younger age that I wouldn’t necessarily have in a different environment.
“But I’m really enjoying it and really enjoying having that responsibility.”
Evans said a close season conversation with Millington pointed the way for the curent campaign.
“He compared it to Stotty (Jamie Stott) really, about him coming in in his first year, similar to myself, making that transition and looking to get as much game time as he could,” Evans said.
“And then in his second year, he played every minute, so he was encouraging me to take on a similar sort of role, saying that the onus will be on me and he wants me to have that responsibility and to be that voice.
“He said where he saw me positionally as well and I’ve just looked to really stamp my authority there.
“I feel like I’ve been playing well and I’ve been really enjoying it in there.”
Evans is the sole survivor from Town’s midfield quartet of last season, with Luke Summerfield, Kane Thompson-Sommers and Jack Hunter all leaving the club during the summer.
“We’ve still got really good competition this year with the quality we have in the team,” Evans said.
“Once the gaffer told me that he saw me positionally being in there – although that’s not to say that I wouldn’t play in different positions, like at left-back like I did last year – I just really wanted to try and nail down that position.
