After joining Dale back in the Summer of 1999, Wayne Evans had gone on to establish himself as one of the best players to have ever played for the club. He was a hugely reliable right back, and the most consistent performer at the club. In his six years at the club, he made 297 appearances.

On a personal level, his first season could not have been more of a success for Evans. He quickly established himself as a classy defender and was ever present throughout the 1999-00 season. The right back position had long been a problem at Spotland, but it was quickly apparent that Evans had more than filled that position. Wayne Evans capped off a successful first season with Rochdale when he scooped a hatful of awards at the club's annual Awards Evening, winning all of the various Player of the Season trophies after being an ever present throughout the year.

His next five seasons showed to be just as successful as the first and was voted Rochdales Best Ever Right Back in October 2000.

Pos	Player	%
1st	Wayne Evans	61.1
2nd	Graham Smith	14.8
3rd	Stan Milburn	11.1
4th	Paul Hallows	3.7
5th=	Bobby Downes	1.9
5th=	Derek Ryder	1.9
5th=	Jimmy Graham (?)	1.9
5th=	Douglas Winton	1.9
5th=	Andy Thackeray	1.9

Published: 27th March 2001

Wayne Evans and Niel Edwards - Boost as duo sign new deals

Both players' contracts were up in the summer, but manager Steve Parkin has tempted both to sign new long-term deals. Around a dozen of the current first team squad are out of contract in the summer, but Mr Parkin is confident most will want to stay at the club.

"I'm delighted that Neil and Wayne have committed themselves to the football club for as long as they have done - they've signed until the end of this season plus another three each which is great news. "They are senior members of the squad and have barely missed a game in the two seasons I've been here. I'm sure both of them would have quickly got fixed up with other clubs had they chosen to do so. "So the fact they want to stay is a great boost for the club and for myself personally because I'd like to think it shows we are going in the right direction and they feel that's the case.

"Wayne has been Mr Reliable since he came here, he's only missed one game in two years which speaks for itself. He'd probably have to go down as one of my best-ever signings. "Neil's attitude and work ethic is simply first class, and there's no doubt he's one of the best, if not the best, keeper in the lower divisions."

First published by the Rochdale Observer

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