RELEASED winger Richard Evans admits today he feels upset by his lack of a chance this season at Spytty Park.
The Exiles revealed on Wednesday night that they’d come to an agreement on a ‘mutual termination’ with the former Sheffield Wednesday man.
However, Evans insists that he never got a chance under manager Dean Holdsworth this season, having played only twice all term.
It’s all the more surprising considering he signed a one-year contract with the Exiles this summer, the first time he’d put pen to paper with County since signing for Peter Beadle two-and-a-half years ago.
He explained: “It’s been a really frustrating season for me and now I just want to find a new club and get some games under my belt.
“I had two good offers from other clubs in the summer at the same level, but I wanted to show my loyalty to Newport as they’ve been great with me.
“The manager offered me a contract and said I was part of his plans, but it hasn’t worked out like that.
“I haven’t been given a fair chance this season. I have played in two halves, once at Eastleigh in August and then against Dorchester in the FA Cup.
“But it’s difficult to come in and show what you can do when you’re lacking match sharpness and my fitness and rhythm wasn’t what it needed to be in those games.
“I signed a one year deal in the summer and genuinely thought I could play my part in getting us promoted. I respect that people in football have different opinions, but I don’t understand why the club gave me a contract in the summer.”
Evans had the opportunity to move on loan, but insists he felt that would have been detrimental to his career.
“I played 40 games last season, there was a chance to go on loan last month, but the standard of football and money on offer wasn’t right for me,” he said.
“I just want to move on now and play. I am hoping a Conference or Conference South club will come in for me, because the Welsh Premier League doesn’t have the same standard, even though four of five clubs in the WPL are excellent.”
Evans thanked County’s loyal supporters for supporting him, particularly this season.
“I have said before, the fans at County are second to none, they’ve been great with me, especially in trying to pick my head up at games this year.
“It’s really sad to be leaving Newport, but it was a decision I had to make and I thank the club for making it a smooth process.”
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