Odlham confirm Evans deal off

Oldham’s deal to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans has collapsed, a senior Oldham source has confirmed.

The club source has however denied a report in a local newspaper that chairman Simon Corney has quit over the matter following reports of threats to his family.

It comes as Evans, 26, issued a “wholehearted apology” for the effects of his actions in 2011 but continues to maintain his innocence over his rape conviction.

Evans has also condemned social media abuse of the woman he was found guilty of raping.

In a statement issued to the Press Association via the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), Evans said: ``I do remain limited at present by what I can say due to the ongoing referral to the Criminal Cases Review Commission and whilst I continue to maintain my innocence, I wish to make it clear that I wholeheartedly apologise for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned.

“Finally, it has been claimed that those using social media in an abusive and vindictive way towards this woman are supporters of mine. I wish to make it clear that these people are not my supporters and I condemn their actions entirely and will continue to do so.”

He added: “I am grateful for the support of the PFA in helping me try to return to football and continue my career.

“Upon legal advice, I was told not to discuss the events in question. This silence has been misinterpreted as arrogance and I would like to state that this could not be further from the truth.”

Evans’ proposed signing for Oldham has collapsed after the uproar that surrounded the negotiations.

It comes just a day after Oldham’s joint owner Corney said there was an “80 per cent” chance of the 26-year-old being signed.

One board member said the deal had been called off due to threats to staff and their families.

Evans was released from prison last October, halfway through a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman.

Corney had said he believes Evans “has served his time” and said the decision to give the 26-year-old a chance had been agreed unanimously by all six members of the Oldham board – despite vociferous opposition and sponsors severing ties with the League One club.

It is the second time the club have pulled out of a deal to sign the striker, whose chances of finding a team willing to take him on now appear limited.

Sheffield United also decided against giving him a contract after initially agreeing to let him train with the club.

Jim McMahon, the leader of Oldham council, confirmed the deal is off and said the issue had caused “intimidation, abuse and harassment”.

McMahon said in a statement: “In recent days we’ve seen an horrendous ’trial by social media’ with intimidation, abuse and harassment on a scale that has cast a terrible shadow.”

The PFA has also issued a statement to clarify its position in supporting Evans’ search to find a club.

It said: “We have had some discussions with Oldham Athletic regarding the interest they expressed in signing Ched, although we feel it is important to make clear that, contrary to what has been reported, we were not ’driving’ any deal.

“The PFA’s position remains the same, as we have expressed previously, that any club which decides to sign him would receive our support.

“We fully recognise that this is a delicate and emotive case and entirely respect that there are opposing views.”

The Oldham Athletic Supporters’ Trust issued a statement saying staff at the club had been subjected to threats and attacks.

It said: “This is an emotive issue and as such we would ask that all members and fans respect the views of their fellow supporters in the general debate. You certainly have a right to free thought and free speech, but we would ask that you please try to avoid abusive comments and conduct.

“We would especially ask all fans and others to respect the staff of the club who have unfortunately been subjected to extreme and unnecessary attacks and threats whilst doing no more than their jobs.”