ROY EVANS is still tussling with the toughest decision of his life as fans wait to hear if the director of football will stay at the County Ground.

He was expected to lead training this morning but no 'showdown' talks were planned with the Town board.

Evans told the Evening Advertiser that his mind was still not made up but he did not want the situation to drag on any longer than tomorrow.

He said: "It has been a weekend of soul searching. I've talked to and sought the opinions of my family and friends in the game.

"It's an extremely tough decision and one that needs a lot of thought."

Evans said he wanted to stress that he was not 'playing games' by taking his time. It was because he thought so much of the club that he was not prepared to rush a decision.

He said: "There are a few points which need clarifying but hopefully things will be clearer by Wednesday at the latest."

Despite having to make such a tough decision, Evans has not lost his Scouse wit.

He said: "It wasn't that bad a weekend. At least the pools panel gave us a home win."

Evans' decision will hinge on whether the board can sell him an image of a club with a future.

However, 'promises' are not the board's agenda.

Town director Bob Holt hopes to hear from his director of football today. He has fingers crossed that Evans says 'yes' rather than 'no.'

He said: "I still don't know what the position is regarding Roy.

"I shall speak to him on the phone today and obviously we're still hopeful he'll decide to stay.

"Media reports said he would make his mind up on Tuesday but I've not heard that from Roy himself."

The Town director said a busy period of games was looming and that he hoped Evans would at least commit himself to steering the club through to the third-round FA Cup tie on January 5.

He said: "Clearly, with so many important games coming up we hope Roy will remain and at least see us through the Christmas matches."

However, Mr Holt said a contingency plan had not been put in place should Evans decide to quit.

Aside from the Roy Evans saga, Mr Holt has the small matter of the club's finances to deal with.

He said: "It's clearly taking some time.

"It's not insurmountable but clearly there are difficulties which you have to overcome."

The accounts for 1999 are almost complete and Mr Holt's team will then start on those for 2000 and 2001.

He said it was likely to be the middle of January before strategies to tackle the mounting debts could be put in place.

"I think we're looking at an AGM in early to mid February, with the 12th in mind," he said.

Next on Mr Holt's busy schedule is a meeting to discuss the club's tax commitments on Thursday.

He met with council officers yesterday and described the talks as 'constructive and positive.'

The Swindon Town Christmas carol service takes place at Christchurch in Old Town tomorrow (6.30pm).