Oldham abandon plans to sign Ched Evans

Oldham Athletic FC have decided not to go ahead with signing convicted rapist Ched Evans as a player with the club.

As recently as yesterday Oldham's joint owner Simon Corney said there was an ''80 per cent'' chance of the Evans being signed by the League One side.

The change of mind was reportedly as a result of pressure from sponsors.

Statement in response to inaccurate reports that @ZenOffice will continue to sponsor #OAFC if they sign #ChedEvans http://t.co/CsU9g0aZYf

— ZenOffice (@ZenOffice) January 7, 2015

Sponsors Zen Office made it clear in a statement yesterday they would not continue their association with the club if Evans was signed.

The statement read: “ZenOffice do not agree that the current path OAFC are embarking on espouses these values.

“Therefore it is with much regret, that ZenOffice would like to confirm that we will end our association with Oldham Athletic Football Club if the move goes ahead to sign Ched Evans.”

UK newspaper the Independent quote an unnamed Oldham board member as saying the change was due to"enormous pressure from sponsors and threats to staff and their families."

A full statement from the club is expected later today.