Video: Steve Evans in his first interview as Mansfield Town manager
New Mansfield Town manager Steve Evans said ‘he was on his way to Waitrose’ when he received a call from the chairman of the football club.
The former Leeds United and Rotherham boss was unveiled as the new manager of Mansfield Town yesterday (Wednesday November 16) at the One Call Stadium.
Evans replaces Adam Murray who only left the club on Monday (November 14).
I was on my way to do some shopping when the chairman called
In his first press conference as Mansfield Town manager, Evans said: “I don’t normally answer my mobile phone when it comes up with a number that I don’t recognise!
“I was on my way to Waitrose to do some shopping and it was the chairman on the other end of the phone on Monday afternoon asking if we could get together that evening.
“We need to get it back to where teams look at coming to Mansfield Town as a tough afternoon.”
Fans have taken to Twitter to share their views on the Stags new appointment.
How on earth have @mansfieldtownfc pulled that off!? Steve Evans is capable of more than League 2 *puts £10 on Mansfield promotion*
— Tom Hope (@hopey550) November 17, 2016
The nine-time promoted Scot said yesterday at the press conference that he does not plan to be with Mansfield Town in “League 2 for very long.”
Many fans share this ambition with their new boss who said said the club can achieve “championship status.”
Steve Evans should get Mansfield promoted next season
— alan smith (@alsmith1983) November 16, 2016
Steve Evans back in management with Mansfield. Not a likeable bloke but an excellent manager. I would get a few quid on #MTFC going up.
— Gav (@BCFCGav) November 16, 2016
Evans who is known by fans for being a character both on and off the field received mixed emotions following his appointment.
Good luck to steve evans at mansfield,dint mind him at leeds,decent bloke
— Dan Wilkinson (@DanWilkinson5) November 17, 2016
biggest laugh of the day……Steve Evans new Mansfield manager
— stephen henson (@abebaby61) November 16, 2016
The appointment of the 54-year-old was seen as a scoop by some for the League 2 club because of his track record with promotions and experience in higher leagues.
Mansfield getting Steve Evans as their manager is a massive coupe well played
— Alix Drinkwater (@alixdeeee) November 16, 2016
Real coup for Mansfield Town appointing Steve Evans as manager
— Matt Smith (@MattSmith08) November 16, 2016
The Stags currently sit 18th in League 2 but are still only three points off the play-off spots.
Evans’ first match in charge will be against his former team Crawley Town on Saturday (November 19).
