Jack Evans R.I.P. (11/03/1926- 15/04/2012)

It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Association Member and former Coventry City footballer Jack Evans.

Born in Coventry in 1926, Jack who was 86 a few weeks ago was on City’s books for the decade between 1942-52 and was a regular in the reserve team for several seasons and made eight first team appearances between 1949-51. After leaving City in 1952 he had a long and successful career in local non-league football, playing at a high standard until the age of 36. He died suddenly after being taken ill on the golf course at Maxstoke Park last Sunday morning.

Just too young to be called up for World War Two Jack did his National Service in the army and was an accomplished glider pilot. Signed by City after he wrote in asking for a trial he played centre-forward and wing-half for Modern Machines (City’s Youth team) and in April 1949 after some good performances for the reserves he got his first team chance in a home game against Fulham when injury ruled out Ted Roberts and scored! However Roberts form meant his later 1st team appearances were few and far between and when Manager Harry Storer signed ace scorer Tommy Briggs late in 1950 Jack’s first team opportunities were over.

Jack was a part time professional whilst on City’s books, working at Daimler and became a trained carpenter (which was more financially rewarding than football). Later he worked at Rolls Royce at Anstey where he was also involved in union duties.  In May 1952 he was released by City, joining  Nuneaton Borough and later appeared for Bedworth, Rugby Town and Banbury Spencer (1954) playing at outside right. In 1957 he joined Lockheed Leamington and moving back to wing-half played his part in Lockheed’s golden era in the early 1960s winning championship medals in 1961-62 and 1962-63 and the Birmingham Senior Cup. Jack hung up his boots in 1963 at the age of 37 and was assistant manager at Leamington for a time.

Jack leads the Older FPs from the Ricoh pitch 2007

Jack was a keen golfer and played regularly until his death. In 2007,  he attended the inaugural Legends Day (pictured right) but it was clear then that he was disillusioned by the modern game and didn’t even watch football on the television.

The Association sends its deepest sympathies to Jack’s family.We will will pass on details of Jack’s funeral when they are announced.

A much fuller obituary and appreciation of Jack’s career appears on our ‘Gone But not Forgotten page’ under the ‘Players’ tab above.

An interview with Jack done in 2004 (made available by Associate Member Dean Nelson) can be found at: http://oldcoventryonfilm.vidmeup.com/view?q=4f96f5fe7aeb6.flv