Evans gets chance to seal Glory return
Dean Evans has been handed an A-League lifeline by Perth Glory following his impressive performances during the club's pre-season campaign.
Evans, 23, was a regular fixture in Glory's youth team set-up from 2008-2011 before being released and opting to try his luck overseas in Hong Kong.
Evans returned to Perth earlier this year and was invited to join Glory for their pre-season campaign.
The defensive midfielder did enough on tours of South Africa and Malaysia to earn himself a three-month injury-replacement contract and is determined to grab his second chance with both hands.
"It's an honour to have the opportunity to play for your hometown club and it was a breath of fresh air for me getting this contract," Evans said.
"All my family and friends can come and watch the games and just being a part of Glory again is a great feeling."
The former Stirling Lions man is eager to add to the solitary first-team appearance he made for Glory during the 2008-2009 A-League season and feels that the experience he gained in Hong Kong will stand him in good stead.
"After my youth deal finished, there wasn't an opportunity at Glory so another option came up for me in Hong Kong," Evans said.
"It was a fantastic experience for me.
"I played over there in their First Division for a year and luckily enough I got to play in pre-season friendlies against Chelsea, Blackburn and Aston Villa.
"I certainly learnt a lot in those games.
"After my year contract finished there, I was just weighing up my options and Alistair (Edwards) asked me to come back down to training with Glory.
"I was hoping something would come up and luckily this chance came my way. It's really pleasing to be back at the club."
Glory coach Edwards is confident that Evans has what it takes to become the latest local WA player to make his mark with Glory.
"Dean's signing is another major positive for the club," he said.
"He's been with us for a while now and we applied to FFA for him to come on board for three months and they've agreed to that.
"His signing is yet another indication of our commitment to giving young WA players an opportunity to play in the A-League."
Evans will feature in the Glory team which takes on A-League rivals Melbourne Heart in two pre-season friendlies this week.
FIXTURESWednesday: Perth Glory v Melbourne Heart, Intiga Stadium (Inglewood United) 3.30pm
Saturday: Perth Glory v Melbourne Heart, Peelwood Reserve (Mandurah City) 3pm
