Leeds United v Blackburn: How Steve Evans has fared in his previous four home games in management

Steve Evans faces his first home game as Leeds United head coach when Blackburn Rovers visit Elland Road tonight.
Steve Evans.Steve Evans.
Steve Evans.

The Whites have not won at their ground since March, prior to the dismissal of Neil Redfearn.

Uwe Rosler failed to win a single game at home during his time in charge.

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Do Leeds fans have reason to be hopeful for tonight’s clash? We look back on Evans’ four previous first home games in management.

Boston United – Appointed October 10, 1998.

It may only have been Boston United, but Steve Evans’ appointment on October 10, 1998 came after a run of five games without a victory, both at home and away.

The club’s last game before his appointment at York Street was a 1-0 loss against Ilkeston Town, which followed a three goal hammering by Merthyr Tydfil.

Evans drew his first game 1-1 away against Weymouth, before turning his side’s form around with a 5-1 win against Dorchester Town on October 17 on his York Street debut. Boston would not lose again until November 28, a run of 12 games without defeat.

Boston United – Appointed February 23, 2004

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There was no instant turnaround for Boston when they reappointed Evans in February 2004.

His return to York Street saw him lose 2-0 against Southend United, with Mark Bentley and Neil Jenkins scoring two headers to consign Evans to defeat. Of note was the fact that former Leeds United head coach Neil Redfearn was forced to leave the pitch with an injury after 57 minutes. Evans’ Boston side were fighting against relegation from the then third division when he was reappointed – by the end of the campaign, fans were disappointed not to finish in the top ten.

Crawley Town – Appointed May 29, 2007

This would be the first time Evans had an entire summer to implement an idea on a team before facing a home game in charge, having been appointed at the end of the 2006/07 season.

Crawley were in disarray, having been hit with a six-point deduction for going into administration prior to the start of the campaign.

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Evans stepped out at Broadfield Stadium for the first time against Stevenage Borough, winning 2-1. Guy Madjo scored both of the goals for Crawley. Evans’ side would not lose at home until September 29.

Rotherham United – Appointed April 9, 2012

Evans was appointed on the same day that Rotherham beat Cheltenham Town 1-0 at home but caretaker manager Darren Patterson was left in charge. The new manager was afforded a guard of honour prior to occupying the dugout for the first time at the Don Valley stadium.

The clash against Morecambe saw Evans earn his first three points in charge of the South Yorkshire side, despite a second-half sending off reducing his side to ten men. The Millers’ won the tie 3-2, with Lewis Grabban scoring a last minute strike from range to give Evans a win.