Goals record second to none
Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 05 January 2015
Ched Evans - controversial plyer could be on his way to Oldham
CONTROVERSIAL striker Ched Evans could become Athletic’s first signing of the transfer window.
A controversial move for the ex-Sheffield United star may be on the cards only a month after the club appeared to completely rule it out.
Athletic’s chairman Simon Corney was today considering whether to approve the deal, mindful of the inevitable backlash from supporters.
The PFA has pushed the situation forward, keen to find convicted rapist Evans (26) a new club in the North-West in lights of conditions attached to his early release from prison, halfway through a five-year sentence. There is believed to be support for giving Evans a chance within the club’s boardroom.
Since he left jail on October, several clubs — including the Blades, Tranmere and Hartlepool — have shied away from offering Evans a deal.
But with Athletic struggling for goals lately, the club’s hierarchy could decide to take the plunge and sign the Wales international, who struck 35 goals in 42 games in 2011-12.
If Evans does sign amid a whirlwind of controversy and national headlines over the weekend, it could be some time before he is considered for first-team action.
Evans, who has 13 senior caps for Wales, joined Sheffield United in a £3million deal from Manchester City in 2009 and quickly became a prolific scorer. His last appearance for the club was in April 2012 - when he scored in a 3-1 home game.
If Evans joins, it should ease the pressure on top scorer Jonathan Forte to provide Athletic’s goals.
:: Athletic have also been linked with a swoop for Burton Albion winger Alex MacDonald.
Millwall, Bolton and Bradford are also reportedly interested in signing the 24 year old, who started his career with Burnley.
A former Scotland under-21 international, MacDonald has been loaned to Falkirk, Inverness, Plymouth and Burton.
The transfer window reopened on Saturday, allowing clubs to sign players until the deadline on February 2.
mattchambers@oldham-chronicle.co.uk
