Antony Evans to Huddersfield £450k

Exclusive: Antony Evans close to Bristol Rovers exit after bid from League One rivals accepted..By Daniel Hargraves.

Bristol Rovers' player of the season Antony Evans looks set to leave the club after three years

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Antony Evans is close to leaving Bristol Rovers, Bristol Live understands, after the Gas accepted a bid from Huddersfield Town believed to be in the region of £450,000.

It is understood that a separate bid from Huddersfield was rejected last week, however the recently-relegated side have returned with an improved offer and are expected to add the midfielder to Michael Duff's ranks for the 2024/25 season.

Evans was crowned Rovers' Player of the Season last term after an outstanding campaign which saw the 25-year-old contribute 10 goals and nine assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. He also wore the captain's armband in Sam Finley's absence as the midfielder was one of few players that managed to play with notable consistency throughout the campaign.

We don’t know that we haven’t seen him play yet. 

Michael Duff makes Antony Evans claim as Bristol Rovers midfielder completes Huddersfield move..By James Piercy, Sports Editor & Daniel Hargraves

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Huddersfield Town manager Michael Duff believes the Terriers have signed a leader and technician who is just entering his prime as Antony Evans has completed his move from Bristol Rovers, ending his three-year stay at the Mem.

Evans underwent a medical on Wednesday night after a fee in the region of £450,000 had been agreed between the two clubs, with the Terriers’ initial approach rejected last week, and the Scouser has signed a three-year deal at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Rovers’ reigning Player of the Year always looked likely to leave this summer as he entered the final 12 months of his contract in BS7 with little indication he planned to sign extended terms for the Gas.

As a result, rather than lose him nothing next season while also running the risk of keeping an unhappy and unsettled player, Rovers have reluctantly cashed in on the midfielder who played some of his best football in a blue and white quartered jersey last season. Th 25-year-old also wore the captain's armband in the absence of Sam Finley and was a significant dressing room figure during his time at the club.

"I couldn’t be happier to have Antony join, and I’m looking forward to seeing him get involved with the rest of the team straight away," said Duff, who was a regular visitor to the Mem last season. "One of the best players in the division last season, his consistency, productivity and attitude hugely appeal to us.

“Technically capable, physically imposing and with a great track record, his energy is exactly what you want to introduce at the this stage of the summer. Now entering his prime, Antony was a leader for Bristol Rovers and was someone his teammates learned to rely on, so he ticks all of our boxes as both a person and professional.”

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Evans joined Rovers on a free transfer from German club Paderborn towards the end of the 2021 summer window, he went on to make 142 appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals, and was a regular under Taylor and predeccessor toxic turd Barton.

In a statement Rovers said: "Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to thank Antony for all his efforts during his time in the blue-and-white quarters and wish him every success for his future career."

“I’m over the moon to sign for Huddersfield Town, and I’m really looking forward to knuckling down and getting ready for the season ahead alongside my new teammates," Evans said.

“The ambition of the club is clear to see, and this is a journey I want to be part of. After speaking to the sporting director and head coach, I had a great feeling about joining, and my full focus is now on repaying that faith.

“Things came together for me on the pitch last season and I feel really good about my game. I’m confident in my ability, but I also have a real hunger to improve. Working hard under Michael Duff and buying into everything available to me at the club, I can’t wait to see where that takes me.”