| Gwyn Evans | |
| Birth Date: | 24 December 1935 |
| Birth Place: | Ton Pentre, Wales |
| Death Place: | New Zealand |
| Position: | Centre half |
| Youthclubs1: | Cwm Parc |
| Years1: | 1955–1963 |
| Caps1: | 80 |
| Goals1: | 0 |
| Years2: | 1963–? |
| Clubs2: | Christchurch United |
| Caps2: | ? |
| Goals2: | ? |
| Years3: | ? |
| Caps3: | ? |
| Goals3: | ? |
Gwyn Evans (24 December 1935 – 11 May 2000[1]) was a Welsh professional footballer who made 80 Football League appearances for Crystal Palace as a centre-half. He also played for Christchurch United and Nelson United in New Zealand. He was the father of Ceri Evans who also had a career in professional football.[2]
Evans was born in Ton Pentre[3] and signed for Crystal Palace, from local club Cwm Parc, in May 1955,[4] but did not make his debut until April 1959, in an away 2–0 defeat to Coventry City.[5] Between then and 1963, Evans made 80 League appearances for Palace, all at centre-half,[6] and made 25 appearances in season 1960–1961 when Palace achieved promotion from the Fourth Division.[7]
However, by the 1962–63 season, Evans was no longer a regular in the side and in 1963,[4] emigrated to New Zealand, signing for Christchurch United (then known as Christchurch City prior to amalgamation with other local clubs). He served Christchurch both as captain and player-coach, leading the club to the final of the Chatham Cup in 1967.[2] He later moved to Nelson United where he continued as player-coach. Whilst in New Zealand, Evans also worked part-time as a teacher.[2]
After retiring as a player, Evans moved into the administrative side of the game. He served as secretary-general of the New Zealand Football Association, a position he held from 1981 to 1987.[2] He retired on health grounds and moved to Waiheke Island where he ran a shop.[2] In his later years his health declined further and his legs were amputated.[2]
Evans was married twice. Firstly to Joyce (née Williamson) a New Zealand table tennis player and secondly to Eleanor.[2] He had three children, including Ceri who played professionally for Oxford United and for the New Zealand national team.
Evans showed ability at several sports and was a British amateur snooker champion.[2] He died on 11 May 2000,[1] [8] and his ashes were buried at Onetangi Cemetery on Waiheke Island.[9]