Live

Repeat: OTB Breakfast

05:00 AM-07:00 AM

Repeat: OTB Breakfast
Advertisement
Off The Ball Radio

Oldham's main sponsors says it will be "out of the door" if convicted rapist Ched Evans is signed

One of Oldham Athletic's main sponsors says it will be "out of the door" if convicted rapist Ched...



Oldham's main sponsors say...
Off The Ball Radio

Oldham's main sponsors says it will be "out of the door" if convicted rapist Ched Evans is signed

One of Oldham Athletic's main sponsors says it will be "out of the door" if convicted rapist Ched Evans is signed.

Craig Verling, a director of Verlin Rainwater Solutions which sponsors a stand at Boundary Park, said: "The club know our stance and that is if they sign or allow Ched Evans to train we will be out of the door."

The player is believed to have held fresh talks with the side, who insisted in December they would not offer him a contract or a chance to train.

Thousands of people have signed a petition against convicted Mr Evans potentially joining the club.

The letter to Oldham chairman Simon Corney - which has attracted more than 20,000 signatures since Sunday - comes as the club prepares to stage a news conference today.

Now a local newspaper reports that Mr Corney is now "wavering" as a result of the backlash, and the decision now hangs in the balance.

Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) chief Gordon Taylor confirmed a League One team would make an announcement about signing the 26-year-old striker on Monday - but would not name them.

Evans was released from prison in October after serving two-and-a-half years of a five-year sentence for rape. He still protests his innocence.

Oldham have yet to comment.

Evans had an offer to train with former club Sheffield United retracted in November following a backlash. Tranmere and Hartlepool have also rejected the opportunity to sign him.

The PFA has said it will support Evans continuing his football career.

Oldham have previously signed a player convicted of a criminal offence.

Lee Hughes, who served three years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving, played for the club after his release in 2007.

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.