Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans has dismissed speculation linking him with the vacant Hibernian job, stating his commitment remains with the League Two club. Evans, 63, said there has been no contact from the Scottish Premiership side and that he is focused on the project at the Memorial Stadium.
"I'm humbled to be linked to a job like that because if you're a Scotsman you know how big a football club that is but I'm not going anywhere," Evans told reporters. He signed a new contract in April that runs until 2028, taking over the role last December and guiding the club to safety last season.
Evans admitted his comments came after a difficult 3-0 defeat away to Gillingham on Saturday, a result that left Bristol Rovers sixth in the standings with 12 points from seven games. The loss was their second consecutive defeat, a downturn in recent form that has seen the team concede five goals without scoring in the last 180 minutes of football. The manager will be keen to analyse the stats to address this slump as he prepares for the next fixtures.
The manager, who has a 32-year career in management, said there are only two roles that could tempt him away from Bristol. "I've come here to deliver on a project - it doesn't feel like that driving home this evening - but my commitment is to this football club," Evans said. He added he would only consider leaving for "a certain team in Glasgow", a reference to his lifelong support for Celtic, or to manage his national team, but conceded he does not expect either opportunity to arise.
Hibernian sacked manager David Gray on 16 September after a run of six successive home defeats. Evans now turns his attention to preparing his side for their next match at home to Exeter City on 26 September. Exeter currently sit 20th in League Two, three points behind Evans's side. The manager will be looking to return to winning ways and close the three-point gap to leaders Barnet.
Further reading: BBC Sport Football
