Antony Evans has committed his future to Bristol Rovers until 2025, ensuring Joey Barton has retained one of his key attacking players for the forthcoming League One campaign.
Evans one-year deal had expired in north Bristol and there has been significant anxiety among the fanbase that the playmaker would be moving on after a sensational debut campaign in blue and white quarters.
Barton had set the midfielder a 10-day timeline at the end of May because if he was to move on, Rovers would need to work hard to find an adequate replacement. And the 23-year-old, who scored 10 goals and added 12 assists, has put pen to paper on a long-term contract, amid interest from across the third tier in his services.
The Everton academy graduate was one of several individual success stories for Rovers last season after arriving in unassuming circumstances the day before the summer deadline after his contract at German club Paderborn had been terminated.
Evans quickly impressed with his touch, technique and dead ball ability and during a challenging start to the 2021/22 emerged as a fans favourite before playing an integral role across the second half of the season, either as a central playmaker or in a right-sided attacking midfield position.
He scored two goals in the historic 7-0 win over Scunthorpe United on the final day of the season, and provided the cross that set-up Elliot Anderson for the crucial seventh of the afternoon.
Retaining Evans is a huge affirmation of Barton’s vision for the squad moving forward and Rovers ability to keep hold of their core talent. The Scouser is the second Gas player to sign new terms in BS7 after full-back Trevor Clarke agreed a new two-year deal last week.
The Gas are yet to sign a new player in the transfer market this summer but with the player due back at The Quarters for pre-season next week, activity is expected to accelerate.
Sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive Bristol Rovers content
