Steve Evans key in Charlton midfielder making switch

Former Charlton Athletic midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey says Steve Evans was “really influential” in securing his signature for Stevenage.

The 28-year-old, who was set to be out of contract at the end of this season, signed for the League Two promotion hopefuls on Tuesday afternoon.

We reported on Monday that Forster-Caskey was set to end his six-year stint at The Valley after agreeing terms with Stevenage.

The midfielder made 128 appearances for the Addicks, scoring 13 goals and picking up 20 assists.

Stevenage are second in the League Two table under former Gillingham and Leeds boss Evans. They are just two points behind table-toppers Leyton Orient and have a 12-point gap from dropping out of the play-off places.

“I’m delighted,” Forster-Caskey told Stevenage’s YouTube channel.

“It’s been bubbling in the background for a couple of weeks.

“It’s a club that’s doing really well this season, so it’s exciting for everybody.

“I had a good chat with him [Steve Evans]. He’s obviously been really influential [in the move]. He’s a really experienced manager – he knows what he’s doing.

“It was another thing which attracted me to the club.

“One of the things is that I want to play football, but you also want to play and be a part of something special. 

“This club is looking to get promotion. They’re doing really well, so it’s nice to be a part of something.”

Former Charlton team-mate Alex Gilbey joined Stevenage on loan for the start of the season after being free to leave under former manager Ben Garner.

“I know Gilbey really well,” said Forster-Caskey.

“Speaking with him about the atmosphere about the club and the training ground, day in and day out, it’s exciting for me.

“We have had lots of discussions. He was saying really good things about the club, but you can see that with the results and performances that they have been putting in.”