ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town assistant manager Matt Bulman says Rhys Evans will bring fantastic quality and leadership to the side after the former Swindon Town goalkeeper agreed to sign for Sam Collier’s men.

Evans started his career at Chelsea in 1998 before going on to make 127 appearances for Swindon Town between 2003-06.

After leaving the County Ground, Evans continued to make fleeting appearances at several football league clubs before spells in non-league football at Staines Town and Hereford FC.

Bulman said the 37-year-old stopper was impressed by the set-up at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground and is looking forward to helping Bassett reach the next level.

Bulman said: “I’ve known Rhys through football for 15 years or so – I said if he’s fit and wants to get back into it, then he’d be welcome here.

“He said he wanted to come and play for me and Sam, the facilities and the club are going in the right direction, so he’s more than happy to play when he can.

“He can’t commit to every game as he lives and works in Bournemouth, but he’s really happy to join and help us move forward.

“He’s had a magnificent career and his level of experience is second to none, so he’ll be bossing the back four about and they’ll be a lot stronger having him behind them with all his know-how.

“Not only are we getting a fantastic goalkeeper, we’re getting a leader as well.”

Evans is expected to be in the squad for Bassett’s trip to Ascot on Saturday.