Convicted rapist Ched Evans will not join Hartlepool despite the club's manager expressing an interest in the player.
Ronnie Moore, who took over as boss of the bottom club in the Football League this week, had said the controversial move was "a possibility".
Describing Evans as a "a proven scorer", Moore added: "If there is a chance he might come here, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't."
But on Sunday it appeared the controversy over Evans, who continues to protest his innocence, had forced the club to address the speculation he could be signed.
"This story has emerged following an unsubstantiated internet rumour which the manager was asked to comment upon," Hartlepool said in a statement.
"This response was based upon the player's obvious ability as a footballer and as such as then been headlined by the media without asking the club for their official position.
"After a highly positive week at Hartlepool United following the takeover by new owners and the appointment of a new manager, the owners are saddened by this unfortunate turn of events and wish to draw a line under it immediately."
Earlier, Hartlepool MP Iain Wright said he would consider ripping up his season ticket if they signed the player.
Hartlepool are currently bottom of the Football League, but Wright believes there are bigger issues at stake.
Evans had an offer to train at his former club, Sheffield United, retracted last month following an outcry over what many considered a step towards his return to professional football.
However the Professional Footballers' Association has declared that the former Welsh international should be given the opportunity to play.
The 25-year-old former Wales international was released from prison in October after serving half of a five-year jail sentence for rape.
Shortly afterwards he released a video statement appealing for "a second chance" in football, but was fiercely criticised over his failure to apologise to his victim.
An appeals process is currently under way.
Originally posted at 10.00am
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