Lancing FC name familiar figure as first team coach

Matt Evans between the sticks for Worthing Utd

Evans has a wealth of experience as a player, with several spells as goalkeeper for the Lancers.

He was an integral part of their squad during the successful 2019020 campaign, which was cut short with the club looking on course to win the SCFL premier division and clinch promotion to the Isthmian south east.

Lancing said Evans was well-respected in the local football community and would play a key role in assisting newly-appointed co-managers James Rhodes and Kane Louis, goalkeeper coach Mark Stuart, physio Georgina Hill and kit and equipment officers Tony Wheels and Lloyd Osland.

Matt Evans is delighted to be appointed first team coach at Lancing

A primary school teacher, Evans has had previous management experience at SCFL side Worthing United, and runs a successful football training programme for girls in Brighton & Hove as part of Brighton Galaxy Girls FA.

Co-manager Rhodes said: “Matt was an important part of our group last season, both on and off the pitch, and has been coaching for a long time, so for me he’s the perfect fit and I can’t wait to get started now the team is complete.”

Joint boss Louis added: “I have known Matt for some years now - fhe is a great person, he has vast experience from playing, management and coaching. I believe he fits the role and structure of what we are building perfectly. I am very happy with him stepping up to the role.”

Evans was delighted to take on a new challenge: “Thanks to James and Kane for inviting me on to the management team as first team coach. It’s an exciting group of players to work with and I’m really looking forward to getting started.”