Fans make case for the defence

SENDING out a message . . . fans display a banner in the Chaddy End

AFTER a week of intense media scrutiny, Latics fans can now get on with supporting their team following the club’s conifrmation it would not be signing convicted rapist Ched Evans.

Athletic pulled out of the deal after threats were made against board members. Around 70,000 people signed a petition against the deal. Barry Owen resigned as chairman of Trust Oldham, but remains a board member.

Evans, who served half his five-year sentence, apologised last week — but only after the deal collapsed.

A crowd of 4,181 turned out for Saturday’s match against Doncaster Rovers.

We asked Latics fans what they thought of the Ched Evans saga, how they thought the club handled it and if they believe the club will recover from this.

Alan Morgan (72), who lives in Rochdale, believes the club will recover, but said outsiders had been interfering in the club’s decisions: “I’m upset about the mob rule. We should have taken Evans on. The club is the victim.”

David Nestor (71), of Greenacres, agreed with his friend. He said: “The threats are absolutely appalling. With hindsight I wish we hadn’t got involved. The damage done to the club could be fatal.”