Bear with us, say club bosses

CHED EVANS: in the firing line

THE CHANCES of Ched Evans being involved in Athletic’s game against Doncaster this weekend appear increasingly remote, with hints by officials that the deal may not be wrapped up until next week.

Chairman Simon Corney was quoted as saying there was an “80 per cent chance” of sealing a controversial signing of Evans, suggesting the deal could happen at any time before the weekend.

But supporters’ trust chairman Barry Owen told reporters last night that a deal he says is being “driven by the PFA” probably won’t be completed in the immediate future.

“There are ongoing negotiations,” Owen told the national press. “Unfortunately, quite a lot of due diligence still needs to be completed. We are still in talks with the PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) and other agencies.

“At the moment I would just ask you to bear with us. There are things to be done, genuinely, and I don’t anticipate that it is going to be done over the next few days.

“If it is, and it is possible to do anything for you, we will tell you what the circumstances are. We are a professional club and we do things in the right way.”

Owen also suggested a statement from the PFA was expected today.

Athletic’s statements are their first on-the-record board utterances since the story broke on Sunday.

As the saga rumbles on in the national media, it can almost be forgotten that Athletic’s game against Rovers — the first since Boxing Day — is of crucial importance for their season.

Manager Lee Johnson told the Chronicle this morning he is hopeful captain Liam Kelly will return from injury to feature from which a win could push the side back into the top half of the Sky Bet League One table and towards the play-off positions.

Some supporters have threatened to boycott SportsDirect.com Park should Athletic sign Evans.

A poll on online fans’ message board ‘OWTB’ has 28 per cent of voters claiming they will stay away for the duration of Evans’ stay at the club.

National interest in the club is clear, though: every press seat has been taken up for the Rovers game - the first time that has happened since the 2-2 draw with Everton in the FA Cup fourth round almost two years ago.