‘My full focus is on Mansfield’ – Evans dismisses Gillingham speculation

(Photo: BBC)

By Alex Beard

Mansfield Town manager Steve Evans has spoken out for the first time about Gillingham’s approach for his services today, saying he knew nothing of the move.

The 54-year-old was the subject of an approach by managerless Gillingham earlier this week, with the struggling League One side keen to speak to him about potentially replacing Ady Pennock.

Pennock left the Priestfield Stadium by mutual consent last month after a disappointing start to the season for Gills, and Evans has quickly emerged as their number one choice to take his place.

The Scot insists his full focus is on the Stags, however, who travel to Colchester this weekend after their tremendous 3-1 win over league leaders Notts County last time out.

“All I know is the chairman told me I had an approach from Paul Scally to speak to me and the chairman told me he had refused that permission,” Evans told Chad.

“John Radford has had that four or five times since I came to the club, and I’ve only been here nine months or so.

“It’s always flattering but it’s not just about me. It’s about the players, their performances get you and your staff noticed. It’s recognition for all of us.

“You can never stop clubs wanting to approach you, whatever the level. It’s part and parcel of the business we’re in.

“What do I know of Gillingham? They are in the league above and a good club with a good chairman. I was in talks once with Gillingham at a previous stage of my career to go and join them but it never happened.

“But my full focus is on Mansfield Town. John Radford told me to keep my focus on Colchester and he’d deal with the off-the-pitch stuff which we respect.”