Michael Duff makes Antony Evans claim as Bristol Rovers midfielder completes Huddersfield move

Huddersfield Town manager Michael Duff believes the Terriers have signed a leader and technician just entering his prime as Antony Evans completed his move from Bristol Rovers, ending his three-year stay at the Mem.

Evans underwent a medical on Wednesday night after the two clubs agreed a fee of around £450,000, with the Terriers’ initial approach rejected last week and the Scouser signing a three-year deal at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Rovers’ reigning Player of the Year always looked likely to leave this summer as he entered the final 12 months of his BS7 deal with little indication he was planning to sign extended terms for the Gas.

As a result, rather than lose him next season while risking keeping an unhappy and disgruntled player, Rovers reluctantly cashed in on the midfielder who played some of his best football in a white shirt -blue last season. The 25-year-old has also worn the captain’s armband in the absence of Sam Finley and has been an important figure for the dressing room during his time at the club.

Evans finished with 10 goals and six assists in 49 games and was one of the few individual bright spots in a disappointing campaign that faded. However, this return has significantly enhanced his reputation as a League One player, while his expiring contract has made him an attractive transfer proposition in the third tier.

“I couldn’t be happier to have Antony join and I’m looking forward to seeing him get involved with the rest of the squad straight away,” said Duff, who was a regular at Mem last season. “One of the best players in the division last season, his consistency, productivity and attitude appeals to us enormously.

“Technical cap, physically imposing and with an excellent record, his energy is exactly what you want to bring in at this stage of the summer. Now entering his prime, Antony has been a leader for Bristol Rovers and has been someone his teammates have learned to rely on, so he ticks all the boxes for us both as a person and as a professional.”

Some Rovers fans have expressed their frustration at the fee, but with a desire to sell him as early as possible in the window to remove any uncertainty surrounding his situation, along with Huddersfield being the only genuinely interested side, the Gas were forced to take what they had. can reach, to a certain extent.

Evans becomes Huddersfield’s fourth signing of the summer as Michael Duff looks to build a squad capable of making an instant return to the Championship. He can be seen as a replacement for Jack Rudoni, who was sold to Coventry City for £4m.

After being overlooked by Birmingham City in their attempts to sign Alfie May from Charlton Athletic last week, there were some concerns in Yorkshire that the Blues would do the same to Evans, but Bristol Live understands that he was not never on their radar.

Rovers’ planning under director of football George Friend means that, despite losing a key figure like Evans, they already appear to have his long-term replacement in place, with Isaac Hutchinson joining from Walsall last month. The Gas are keen to make further additions in the final third, however, to help mitigate not just the loss of Evans’ goals from midfield, but also his overall creativity.

With West Ham under-23 centre-back Michael Forbes poised to become Rovers’ eighth summer signing, six of Taylor’s additions so far have been at the defensive end, with Ruel Sotiriou and Hutchinson the only players forward-minded us so far. in what is proving to be a busy summer for Friend in his first window in the role.

Evans joined Rovers on a free transfer from German club Paderborn towards the end of the 2021 summer window, went on to make 142 appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals, and was a regular under Taylor and predecessor Joey Barton.

In a statement, Rovers said: “Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to thank Antony for all his efforts during his time in the blue and white quarters and wish him well in his future career.”

His sale also continues the process of moving away from the Barton regime, with Connor Taylor, James Connolly, Luca Hoole, Luke Thomas and Jed Ward now the only surviving members of the 2021/22 promotion-winning squad.

“I’m ready to sign for Huddersfield Town and I’m really looking forward to preparing and getting ready for the season ahead with my new team-mates,” said Evans.

“The ambition of the club is clear to see and this is a journey I want to be a part of. After speaking with the sporting director and the head coach, I had a great feeling of belonging, and now I am fully focused on paying off that belief.

“Things came together for me on the court last season and I feel really good about my game. I have confidence in my abilities, but I also have a real hunger to improve. Working hard under Michael Duff and buying everything available at the club, I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”