lost that loving feeling - The Paul Evans conundrum

It’s the question that seems to be on everyone’s lips at the moment – why hasn’t Paul Evans found a role in this Forest side? Well, OK, it’s perhaps not the most pressing question in most people’s lives at the moment, but it certainly seems to be an issue raised on many a walk from the ground as another result and performance are analysed by the Forest faithful!

Paul Evans seems to be one of those players who, in terms of first team football, has had the door shut on him by Gary Megson. He regularly turns out for the reserves, but there seems to be no question of him being on the edge of a recall to the first team scene any time soon. During his time at the City Ground he certainly endeared himself to the Forest faithful, with a string of performances that displayed a no-nonsense, tough-tackling style. Many believe these qualities are just what is required to complete our midfield at the moment. But is it the case that Paul Evans can really have a role in this current Forest side?

For the last three matches, Gary Megson has finally found himself a formula that has produced good results and decent performances as well. Consistency of selection has certainly helped maintain our form over three games, and the central combination of David Friio and James Perch has been given time to flourish. This is something it has done to mixed success thus far.

Despite winning two games at home last week, the performances of David Friio had been in question going into the trip to Swansea on Saturday. He has, at times, rather unfortunately resembled a headless chicken, doing a lot of running with no end product. This is especially disappointing given his excellent form when in this division previously with Plymouth Argyle. However, at Swansea he grew in stature, using his aerial ability to ensure that Forest remained competitive in the centre of the park. His energy and work rate were excellent, and perhaps evidence that all he has needed was a run of first team starts to find his feet. His performance at Swansea was by no means perfect, but repaid Gary Megson’s faith in his selection and with continued improvement he could become a key player.

James Perch now seems to be considered primarily a central midfielder and his performances there have showed a great deal of promise. Whilst at times he needs to be somewhat more of an imposing presence on a game, he has shown real quality. He looks calm on the ball, full of energy, and not afraid to put a tackle or two in. He has the occasional touch of class that mark him out from some of the other young midfielders on our books, and looks very assured for a youngster who has seen his role in the team changed on a regular basis.

It would appear, therefore, that in the face of this pair the ‘Evans argument’ becomes a little redundant. However, the argument remains for some fans as they believe that Friio and Perch lack the steel that an Evans-type character can provide. I, however, believe this not to be the case. Whilst Friio and Perch have a long way to go to be the ideal central midfield combination they have shown enough in the three games they have been together to suggest they could blossom into something important over the coming months. Both put in the work rate and commitment that Evans would bring to the side, but are quicker and also better on the ball. Evans’ failing was always that although he was good at breaking play down, his passing was awful. In a side that has often looked sloppy this season, Evans would do nothing to improve the quality of the football.

What we have seen from the last few games is that consistency in selection helps to bring consistency with results. The central midfield pairing of Perch and Friio may have yet to win over many fans but it has undoubtedly improved, and can continue to do so given the chance to shine. Whilst many fans still clamour for the return of Paul Evans, I believe that these two players have the capabilities to bring more to the team, and with time will hopefully play an important part in the drive for success at the City Ground.