Evans confirms retirement to take up coaching role

Corry Evans reflected on an "incredible journey" as he confirmed his retirement from professional football to take his first steps into coaching with Northern Ireland's Under-21s.

The 35-year-old won 72 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring twice, with his last appearance coming in a 2-0 friendly win against Andorra in Murcia in June 2024.

He captained the side on his 50th cap against Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2018.

As part of Michael O'Neill's Euro 2016 squad, he and older brother Jonny became the first siblings to play for Northern Ireland at the European Championships.

Evans has been without a club since departing Oldham Athletic at the end of last season and, having accepted an offer from Northern Ireland U21s manager Tommy Wright to join the set-up as a coach, he has decided the time is right to end his playing career.

"After an incredible journey, the time has come to hang up my boots," he said.

"Representing my country 72 times, and playing at Euro 2016, will always be one of my proudest achievements."

A midfielder who was equally adept at centre-half, Evans began playing with Greenisland Boys before following his older brother to Manchester United as a youth team player in 2005, progressing on to the reserves before being called up to the first team against Hull City in 2009.

After a loan spell with Carlisle United, he was then loaned out to Hull, with the move made permanent in 2011.

He moved to Blackburn Rovers two years later, where he spent the bulk of his career.

Evans would make 206 appearances for the club before departing for Sunderland at the end of the 2020-21 season, moving to Bradford City at the start of the 2024-25 campaign on a short-term deal and finishing the season at Wembley Stadium with Oldham in their 3-2 National League play-off win against Southend which sealed promotion to League Two.

"From coming through the academy at Manchester United, to winning promotions with Hull City and Blackburn Rovers, captaining Sunderland to promotion at Wembley, finishing with a spell at Bradford City and a Wembley win with Oldham - I've loved every single step," he added.

"A huge thank you to my family, team-mates, coaches and the fans who've supported me throughout the highs and lows. It's been an unforgettable ride."