VERSATILE defender Cameron Evans has signed for Newport County AFC after a successful trial.
The 23-year-old Swansea City academy graduate has featured as a full-back in pre-season for Nelson Jardim’s side.
Evans has done enough to earn a two-year contract with the Exiles to become the 11th signing of a busy summer and will now aim to force his way into the matchday squad for the League Two opener at Cheltenham on August 10.
“I’ve been on trial over the last couple of weeks and got given a great opportunity, so I’m just really happy that I impressed enough to earn a contract,” said the defender, who played centre-back for Taunton in National League South last season.
“It’s always tough as trialist in pre-season because you always want to try and an impress the manager and the coaches, but also the players too.
“Pre-season has been really good so far. As a group of players, we’re just trying to take what we’ve been learning in training into a game situation.
“The philosophy at the club really suits me as player and I have really enjoyed working with the staff and the players so far.
“Nelson has brilliant with me since I’ve come to the club this summer. He’s got a very good camaraderie going on with the boys and that is something he is really big on within the club.”
Evans is the younger brother of midfielder Jack, who was briefly with County in 2021.
He came through the ranks at Swansea as made his senior debut against Stevenage in the FA Cup three years ago.
The Wales Under-19s international had a loan spell with Waterford and then returned to the League of Ireland on a permanent deal after leaving the Swans.
After being a regular for Taunton in the last two season, Evans will now try to make the step up to the Football League.
He has been used predominantly as a right-back in pre-season but slotted in down the left in Tuesday’s friendly against Bristol City of the Championship.
County currently have Shane McLoughlin and novice Joe Thomas as specialist right-backs with summer signing Anthony Glennon the only out-and-out left-back currently on the books.
The Exiles travel to Kidderminster for a friendly on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2pm) and then head to Hereford next weekend for their last tune-up.
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