Wed Aug 16, 2017 8:25 am
Cardiff City fans give Ched Evans terrific reception as he plays for Sheffield United against Bluebirds -
By Chris Wathan
Wednesday 15th August 2017
Football fans being what they are, former Wales striker Ched Evans could be forgiven for wondering what kind of reception he might receive at Championship grounds with Sheffield United this season.
So he might have been pleasantly surprised to get such a warm ovation from Cardiff City supporters when he played in the Welsh capital for the first time in six years.
Evans was sentenced to five years in prison for rape before having that conviction quashed. Following a re-trial in October 2016, he was found not guilty and is reviving his football career with old club Sheffield United.
He appeared on the sidelines at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night as a 63rd minute substitute for Sami Carruthers during the Bluebirds' 2-0 win over the Blades.
As he entered the field, with his name announced, Evans received warm applause from some fans situated in the four corners of the ground and there were no boos. He even had his name chanted by some of the Cardiff fans, as well as the travelling Sheffield United support.
Evans' last appearance as a footballer in Cardiff was for Wales in a 2-0 European Championship defeat to England at the Millennium Stadium in March 2011.
A couple of years earlier he had shone at Cardiff City Stadium during a 3-0 Wales thumping of Scotland, the match that signified the beginning of the new group of young players who have since gone on to wow the football world.
Evans' team-mates that day included Aaron Ramsey, announcing himself on the international stage, Gareth Bale, Wayne Hennessey, Ashley Williams, Joe Allen and Joe Ledley.
They, of course, have subsequently gone on to dazzle for Wales during the march to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, whereas Evans missed out.
He was once seen as Wales' big striking hope for the future, having smashed 13 goals in 13 under-21 games, including a hat-trick versus France at Ninian Park. So he clearly has fond memories of the home of the Bluebirds.
Evans remains keen to revive his international career and Wales boss Chris Coleman has not ruled it out. But he would first have to score lots of goals for Sheffield United in the Championship to prove he can bridge the gap to international level.