Paul Evans
| 2004 - | Midfielder | 8 games | 0 goals |
Evans' signing must be one of the shrewdest pieces of business in Nottingham Forest's history. Joe Kinnear secured his services on transfer deadline day of the 2003/04 season in a last-minute loan deal from Bradford. It then transpired that the clubs had agreed to a transfer and the loan was just a ploy to give them more time to haggle over the details. With Kinnear having the upper hand in negotiations, Evans was bought for just £25,000.
Given his tiny transfer fee, many may have doubted the impact Evans would have, but the 29-year-old Welshman became an instant hit. His feisty performances in the middle of the park added extra bite to the Forest midfield and commitment not appreciated by the fans since Tony Vaughan's days at the City Ground.
In the summer of 2004, Evans was given the number 8 squad position and looks set to continue as a first team regular. What he lacks in height he makes up for in work-rate, never seeming to tire and always willing to stick a foot in. Sometimes he is rash with his tackling, but he certainly adds a bit of grit that allows his team-mates to concentrate on other aspects of their game.
Before coming to Forest, Evans had long spells at Shrewsbury and Brentford, and two seasons at Bradford. He has won two caps for Wales.