Osian Evans has taken on the iconic number 10 shirt at Caernarfon Town following an emotional gesture from departing club legend Darren Thomas. The 20-year-old local midfielder was personally offered the jersey by Thomas, who wore it for fifteen years at The Oval, in a symbolic passing of the torch this week.
This story was first reported by Y Clwb Pêl-droed. Evans, who came through the club's academy, described the moment he received the call. "No word of a lie, I just started crying because I've watched Daz since I was young, watching him with the number 10 on his back," Evans said. He added that accepting the offer was immediate. "It was an easy decision. One that I didn't need to think twice about."
Who is Osian Evans?
Osian Evans is a product of Caernarfon's youth system. He made his Cymru Premier debut for the club during the 2022/23 campaign and made eleven appearances the following season. To gain experience, he spent last season on loan with Porthmadog, helping them secure promotion to the Cymru North. His development has been guided by figures like Danny Gossett, who has played an important role in his progression.
Returning to Caernarfon this summer, Evans has seized his opportunity. He has started all six of the club's Cymru Premier matches so far this season. He found the net against Trefelin and league leaders The New Saints. He also provided an assist in the victory over Holywell Town. His form was strong enough to earn a starting role in Caernarfon's UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign earlier this summer.
Why was Darren Thomas's number 10 so significant?
Darren Thomas, affectionately nicknamed 'Cofi Messi' by supporters, was a talismanic figure for Caernarfon Town. His fifteen-year association with the number 10 shirt made it synonymous with his creative play. His departure this summer left a significant void, both on the pitch and in the squad's identity. Thomas explained his reasoning for choosing Evans as his successor. He said he wanted to pass the shirt on because he thinks Evans is good enough, young enough, and a local lad.
The gesture connects the club's past with its future. It places immense faith in a homegrown player to carry the creative burden. Evans acknowledged the support of friends and family, like Sion Bradley, who backed his decision to accept the challenge.
What is Caernarfon Town's current context?
Caernarfon Town are building on a solid foundation. They finished fourth in the Cymru Premier last season, recording 45 points from 32 games with a record of 12 wins, 9 draws, and 11 losses. Their final stretch showed a recent form of WWLLL. Over the course of that campaign, they scored 56 goals and conceded 47, giving them a positive goal difference of +9.
The gap to the top remains substantial, as they ended the season 35 points behind champions The New Saints. The focus now is on the new season and continuing to develop young talents like Evans. The club's next challenge is an away fixture against Airbus UK on October 30th, a date fans can mark on their fixtures calendar. The full squad list, including Evans with his new number, is available on our squad page.
Taking the number 10 shirt is a major moment for any player. For Osian Evans, it represents the trust of a club legend and the belief of his hometown team as they prepare for their next match on October 30th.
