Oldham Athletic will decide today whether they plan to sign controversial striker Ched Evans.
The convicted rapist, who maintains his innocence, was set to join the Latics on a long-term deal, until 20,000 people signed an online petition urging the club not to sign him.
The League One side will make an official announcement tomorrow afternoon on whether the move will go ahead for the forward, who has been without a club since leaving prison in October after serving half of a five-year sentence.
The proposed move has been met with contempt from certain quarters and could affect club sponsorship, with main stand sponsors Verlin Rainwater Solutions threatening to pull the plug if Evans signs.
The former Manchester City academy graduate, 26, had also previously held talks with former club Sheffield United two months ago, who decided against signing him following a backlash from supporters and club patrons.
More than 160,000 people signed a petition protesting against his return on that occasion.
Maltese club Hibernians also offered the former Wales international a deal last week before the Ministry of Justice stepped in, citing rules that prevented him from working abroad.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission is currently conducting an investigation into Evans’ conviction though it could take 35 weeks to reach a conclusion.
Oldham have signed a player who served time in prison before, when in 2007 they welcomed Lee Hughes, the former West Bromwich Albion forward who had served half of a six-year term for causing death by dangerous driving.
Main image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks.
