TOWN skipper Alan Reeves has hailed Roy Evans for laying the foundations of success.

The players cut a sorry bunch as they digested news of their 'gaffer's' departure yesterday but no-one will be allowed to sulk.

Reeves and his troops are determined to get on with the task in hand, namely three points at Notts County.

They know Roy Evans would expect nothing less.

For many of the squad saying goodbye to a manager has become a depressingly familiar routine.

Skipper Reeves has now gone through five managers since Steve McMahon signed him.

He said: "We're all very disappointed.

"I think we've known in our hearts for the last week or so that he was going to go.

"But he's a gentleman and he's made his decision in a gentlemanly way."

Reeves said Evans' contribution to the club could not be underestimated.

He said: "He brought quality and experience to the club. The older players and the young lads have all benefited from working with him."

Reeves knows it would be a criminal waste to let Evans' departure undo all the good work of the past four months.

He said: "He's laid the foundations for a good team."

The Town captain hoped Malcolm Crosby would remain and carry on the good work.

He said: "Crozza will be in charge for the Notts County game.

"He told us before training that he thought we should go to Meadow Lane and get a result for Roy Evans and we'll be trying our best to do that."

Striker Giuliano Grazioli said he was 'gutted' at Evans' decision to quit.

Graz said: "Roy Evans has got the best out of every player at this club.

"Look at the team we were last year and look at us now.

"The confidence has increased and we've played some good football at times.

"He is a lovely fella and had the respect of all the boys.

"We just want to go to Notts County and get a result for the gaffer.

"After that we just have to get on with it."

Danny Invincible said Roy Evans had been the most 'fantastic' manager to work with.

The 22-year-old Aussie has also become accustomed to the managerial revolving doors at the County Ground.

He said: "I really enjoyed working with Roy. He's worked with the best and hopefully some of his experience has rubbed off on us.

"I don't think you'll find any of the boys sulking. We have to adopt a 'business as usual' approach.

"Many of the boys have been through this before, as has Crozza of course.

"We've a really important period of games coming up and I think getting some victories will be a big help for all concerned."

As for Evans' successor. Invincible is another favouring a degree of continuity.

He said: "If Crozza took over, the lads would show him the same respect as to the previous gaffer.

"But I know all this change and upheaval isn't what the fans want to hear about and read about."