Evans began his senior career as a forward, at his home town club, Dunfermline Athletic. His career peaked at Aston Villa, where he formed a pivotal centre back partnership with Ken McNaught. They won the English league title in 1980–81 and was part of Villa's 1982 European Cup winning team. They also beat Barcelona over two legs to win the Super Cup in the following season. Evans later became Villa club captain and helped them win promotion back to the First Division in 1988.