Gemma Evans: Get to know our new signing
Manchester United Women signed defender Gemma Evans at the beginning of July on a permanent deal.
The experienced centre-half was ranked third-highest in the WSL for shots blocked (19 in total) last campaign, and has spent time with Women’s Super League sides Reading and Bristol City.
Here are five things you should know about the Wales international...
50 UP!
Evans reached a half-century of senior caps for her nation earlier this year. The defender made her international debut in 2016, and hit the 50-appearance mark during Wales’ 0-0 draw with Iceland on 18 February. Taking to social media afterwards, she wrote: “Playing for Wales is my greatest honour. Stepping on the field with these girls is an absolute pleasure. To think I’ve made this milestone of 50 caps is mind-blowing. I wouldn’t have wanted to achieve it with any other bunch of girls.”
United Women sign Evans
ArticleThe Wales international defender becomes a new recruit for Marc Skinner's Reds.
ONE GAME TO GO
Evans is one game away from making 100 appearances in the Women’s Super League. Having played for Yeovil Town, Bristol City and Reading, Evans has so far played 99 times in the top flight of women’s football in England.
THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE
On 10 June, Evans and a group of friends took part in the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Ty Pentwyn nursing home and Still Me, Pontypridd - an arts and wellbeing support group for people who have been affected by dementia. The activity involves walking a distance of 20.35 miles and making a total ascent of 9,397ft (2,864m) to reach the summits of Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Evans started playing football at the age of 10 for a local team to where she grew up by the name of Ton & Gelli Boys & Girls Football Club, before switching to an all-girls team named Ferndale Fillies at the age of 13. After a two-year spell at Port Talbot Town, Evans moved to Cardiff City in 2015.
'OLD SCHOOL!'
When it comes to defending, Evans believes she is an "old-school defender" – one that never gives up. During her signing interview, she described herself as “a diehard defender, someone who will work hard and put my body on the line, and I'll do anything I can to make myself and the team better."
You can watch Gemma's first interview as a United player here!