Evans set to take charge of Roscommon footballers

By Kieran Galvin Former Tipperary manager John Evans is set to be named as the new Roscommon senior football boss tonight (Thursday). Roscommon GAA PRO Colm Beirne has confirmed to the Westmeath Independent that Evans will be put forward for the position by the selection committee at tonight's county board meeting. The ratification of the Kerry native is expected to be a formality at tonight's meeting, which will be hosted by the Castlerea St Kevin's club. During his time as Tipperary manager, Evans took the Premier men from Division 4 to Division 2 of the Allianz Football League before dropping back to Division 3. He also managed Tipperary to a first ever Munster U21 football title in 2010. A highly regarded coach and a charismatic figure, Evans will be looking to build on the progress Roscommon have made at underage level in recent years. Roscommon won this year's Connacht U21 title and went to reach the All-Ireland final in which they were defeated by Dublin. Roscommon have also produced several fine minor teams in recent years, and they have won the Connacht minor title for the past two years. Having resigned as Tipp manager during the 2012 NFL campaign, Evans was subsequently brought into the Meath backroom team under then boss Seamus 'Banty' McEnaney. Ironically, 'Banty' emerged as a contender for the Roscommon position in recent days, having been interviewed for the post. However, Evans is the choice of the selection committee and he will be the only name put forward to club delegates tonight. The appointment of Evans will come as a welcome relief to Roscommon supporters who had been growing concerned at the delay in appointing a successor to Des Newton.