FORMER construction site worker Cameron Evans is determined to build a career at Newport County AFC thanks to taking a punt on LinkedIn.
The 23-year-old has made the step up to League Two this season after being relegated from National League South with Taunton in 2023/24.
Evans, who is set to feature against Chesterfield at Rodney Parade on Friday night, has made 12 appearances and shown his versatility at right-back, centre-back and most recently left-back.
The former Swansea defender is proving to be a valuable member of Nelson Jardim’s squad, but he was a late addition thanks to taking matters into his own hands to earn a summer trial.
"I haven't got an agent or anything like that," said Evans, whose brother Jack made a solitary appearance for the Exiles in 2021.
"It was all on LinkedIn, I got in touch with the chairman Huw Jenkins myself and he responded. I was happy just to get a response at the time!
“After he had looked into me – because there were people that he knows who knew me from the Swans – he said to come down for a trial.
“I’ve always been told about LinkedIn, that it could be good to get your profile out there for clubs to look at you.
“I’d always looked at Newport as a great place to be, so I fired off a message and was offered a trial.”
Evans got his foot in the door, then impressed enough to earn a two-year deal shortly before the start of the season.
It is a return to the professional ranks after he came through the academy at Swansea but saw the writing was on the wall before being released in 2022.
The defender, who had spent time on loan at Waterford, had a short spell at Sligo before heading for Taunton.
Evans combined non-league football with working as a dry liner for his dad on building sites, always aiming for a return to full-time football.
"They were a great group of lads, we had a hell of a changing room, and the gaffer was brilliant,” he said.
"But part-time football was not where I wanted to be. You'd be working all day and then travelling down to Taunton on a Tuesday for a night game, which was tough.
“I don't mind the graft but I was at work thinking 'I should be training now, kicking a ball around'.
I’ve always backed myself and I was so stubborn and determined.
“I didn’t mind being on a construction site because I was working with my dad and it was quite flexible if I needed a day off after a game. It was always the focus to get back, I knew if I kept at it then I’d get a chance.”
That came at County and his pre-season exploits earned a two-year contract.
Evans made four appearances off the bench before taking his chance as a starter due to injuries to Shane McLoughlin and James Clarke, Matt Baker’s international duties and suspensions to Ciaran Brennan, Kyle Jameson and Anthony Glennon.
The former dry liner from Swansea is proving to be a Jack of all trades.
"I just want to play as many games as I can and help the team pick up as many points as we can,” said Evans, who scored a goal of the season contender in the win against Crewe.
“Whether it's right-back, left-back, centre-back I just want to be on the pitch and I'll do whatever is best for the team.
"From young I was always a centre-half but I've been comfortable in other positions, playing full-back and centre midfield. I've enjoyed it at right-back.
“We've been unlucky with injuries so I just want to stay fit and available to put a shift in wherever I am needed.”
Evans will aim to do that against Chesterfield as County look to bounce back from away defeats to Bradford and Harrogate.
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