FORMER Swindon Town goalkeeper Rhys Evans has encouraged disgruntled fans of the County Ground club to temporarily follow his new team, Swindon Supermarine instead.

The 39-year-old played for Swindon between 2003 and 2006 after leaving Chelsea, making 128 appearances and scooping all of the player-of-the-season awards in his final year at the County Ground.

But after a long and varied playing career which saw him play for the likes of Blackpool, Millwall and Staines Town, Evans found a role as goalkeeping coach with the premier non-league club in his home town.

And as Supermarine gear up for another crack at promotion to National League South, Evans is calling on anyone who is keen for a fresh footballing experience to head on over to the Webbswood Stadium next season.

In a three-part post on Evans’ own Twitter account, he said: “Good morning #stfc fans. In these concerning times for the club and the understandable frustration associated, I’d like to suggest a viable alternative to you.

“For the last three seasons I have been part of the coaching team at Swindon Supermarine.

“We have missed out on promotion due to the pandemic. We try and do things correctly on the pitch and the facilities are smart, clean and welcoming.

“Some extra income from new season tickets may just help us move up a level. Your hard earned money would be very much appreciated and you’d see it at work immediately.”

Evans works with Marine’s goalkeeper Martin Horsell on improving his game - a partnership that has helped to lay solid foundations for the Blues to unleash their potent attacking threats down the other end.

In the extremely short 2020-21 season, Horsell kept two clean sheets as Marine won seven of their 13 games.

Marine’s goalkeeping coach continued his message on social media by inviting anyone down to the Webbswood for refreshments and to discuss what it’s like being a part of Supermarine.

Evans said: “If anyone would like to come and have a pint with myself and the rest of the coaching team and allow us to show you around and explain our plan for the coming season we would gladly do so.

“We would hope to make you feel part of promotion push for the upcoming season. Thanks”