CENTRAL defender Luke Evans has committed himself to Farnborough for the coming season.

Evans made his debut in the goalless draw against Didcot Town early last season, following his move from Uxbridge and went on to make 39 appearances in last season’s momentous promotion campaign.

His only goal was a contender for ‘goal of the  season’ in the 7-0 away victory at Newport (IOW).

Evans, who was invited to pre-season training by manager Francis Vines, is delighted that he has impressed his new boss and been rewarded with a contract for life in the Southern Premier.

“I am really glad to be staying at Farnborough for another season,” said Evans.

“Last year was incredible but, with so many things happening at the club, both on and off the field, I can see this season being even bigger.”

Vines is happy that the commanding centre back is on board for another year.

“After watching the last two months of last season, I thought that Luke did extremely  well, and was one of the most consistent  performers,” said Vines. “He has fully deserved his opportunity to continue his career at this club.”

Vines is still on the look out for new players and admitted that in an ideal world he would like to bring in one or two more.

“Most of the better players — and we’ve already added a good quota — are signed up to clubs by now but we’ll just have to wait and see,” said Vines.

One player who the manager still expects to return for training is striker Marcus Richardson.

The forward admitted to the News recently that he has had offers from clubs as high as the Conference but is still scheduled to join Vines and his squad for training.

“Marcus has been on holiday,” said Vines. “He’s due back on Saturday [tomorrow], so hopefully we will see him for training then.”

Definitely not returning next season is right back Ryan Hill.

Hill joined the squad in January, and was near ever-present for the rest of the season.

Invited back to pre-season by Vines, Hill has decided to find a club nearer to his Dorset home.

“Ryan called me and has decided that the travelling is a problem and really he needs to look closer to home,” said Vines.

“I wish him all the very best, he looked a useful player last season, and his commitment could not be faulted. He did not miss a training session, despite the distances he had to travel.”

Vines is happy with the way training has progressed ahead of Tuesday’s visit of a Southampton XI.

“Things are really starting to take shape, the squad players are looking sharp and we have a few trialists who have caught the eye too.

“These days non-league footballers are really professional and they have looked after themselves. I’m please with the way the new players have fitted in. They are young men and all have personalties.

“We are all looking forward to the Southampton game, it’s a good one to start off with.”

Vines said he had ‘no idea at all’ as to how strong an XI the Saints would bring, under new manager Jan Poortvliet.

Farnborough will host either Abingdon United or Slough Town in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round on Saturday September 13.

They enter the FA Trophy at the same stage and have been drawn at Cherrywood Road again, this time against either Marlow or Cirencester Town, on October 18.