Oldham Athletic have bolstered their midfield by signing Northern Ireland international Corry Evans on a deal until the end of the season.
The 33-year-old joins as a free agent following a short-term spell with League Two side Bradford City.
Bringing Experience to Boundary Park
Evans arrives at Oldham with a wealth of experience, having represented clubs such as Manchester United, Hull City, Blackburn Rovers, and Sunderland during his career. The midfielder, who boasts over 200 appearances for Blackburn and a stint as Sunderland captain, is expected to play a key role both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
After suffering a torn ACL that sidelined him for 15 months, Evans made a brief return to football with Bradford before opting to join Oldham.
Micky Mellon Strengthens Midfield
Oldham manager Micky Mellon has been proactive in addressing the club’s midfield depth, recently signing Jordan Rossiter on loan from Shrewsbury and now adding Evans to the roster. Injuries to Tom Conlon and uncertainty surrounding Sam Clucas’ future prompted Mellon to act decisively in the January window.
Mellon spoke highly of Evans’ credentials:
“Corry is the type of player who will help the group dramatically. He brings plenty of experience, he’s a great guy, and he improves our midfield options. He’ll break things up, go into challenges, and make the game difficult for the opposition.”
Evans’ Career at a Glance
Evans began his career in Northern Ireland with Greenisland Boys before joining Manchester United’s academy alongside his brother, Jonny. Though he didn’t make a senior appearance for the Red Devils, Evans gained valuable experience with the Under-18s and reserves and featured during pre-season tours.
A loan spell at Hull City turned into a permanent transfer, and Evans became a key figure at the club before moving to Blackburn in 2013. His tenure at Ewood Park solidified his reputation as a consistent performer in the Championship.
After leaving Blackburn, Evans joined Sunderland, where he captained the side. Despite a lengthy injury layoff, he returned to professional football with Bradford and now looks to bring his experience to Oldham’s promotion push.
Writer’s View
Corry Evans’ arrival at Oldham Athletic feels like a shrewd piece of business, especially given the timing and circumstances. Evans brings an invaluable mix of Championship experience, leadership qualities, and resilience—traits that can elevate a team aiming for stability and progress. Micky Mellon’s proactive approach to bolstering the midfield highlights the club’s ambition to maintain their competitive edge despite challenges like injuries and transfer uncertainty.