'The specialist said, "Do you want to see your grandkids properly grow up?" He’s given me an opportunity to extend my life' Steve Evans speaks to Henry Winter about his incredible seven stone weight loss journey

Steve Evans the head coach / manager of Rotherham United during the Sky Bet League One match between Shrewsbury Town FC and Rotherham United FC at Montgomery Waters Meadow on September 28, 2024 in Shrewsbury, England [left]. Steve Evans walking his dogs following his seven stone.

Sir Alex Ferguson once gave Steve Evans some advice. “Steve, try and get some weight off. It might stop you getting the job you deserve. You’re gifted, you could go a long way, (to) this level.”

So said the Manchester United manager to Evans, whose Crawley side had just narrowly lost in the FA Cup to Ferguson’s side in 2011. Evans was enjoying a private chat and drink with Ferguson in his Old Trafford office.

Ferguson, ranked at no.1 in FourFourTwo's list of the greatest managers ever, mentioned that his fellow Scot’s career might be limited by an image problem posed by his excess weight. It was an observation, delivered in passing, before Ferguson moved on to other subjects.