Oldham Athletic considering pulling out of deal to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans

Oldham boss Lee Johnson admits the League One club is in a ‘very difficult situation‘ after expressing an interest in signing Ched Evans.

16:25 05 January 2015

Convicted rapist footballer Ched Evans is set to join the Latics on a long-term deal and is scheduled to start training with the club imminently. However, thousands of people have signed an online petition urging Oldham not to sign the Wales international striker.

Since his release from jail, the former Sheffield United player has struggled to land any deal amid intense media interest.

Labour leader Ed Miliband went on record saying he would not sign Evans if he was in Oldham’s shoes. "He hasn't shown remorse and I wouldn't take him on.”

Meanwhile, Craig Verling, director of Verlin Rainwater Solutions, sponsors of Oldham's main stand, made it clear that he doesn’t want anything to do with the convicted rapist. He said: "We have made the club aware as to where we stand.”

"I wouldn't want to support a club who supports a convicted rapist."

On the other hand, Debbie Abrahams, whose Labour constituency covers Oldham East and Saddleworth, said that Evans should wait. "As he is claiming his innocence and in the process of appealing against his conviction, both he and football clubs should wait for the outcome of this process before even considering a return to the sport.”