Latics give in to intense heat

Ched Evans: massive reaction from fans and further afield

THE controversial deal to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans has been spectacularly called off after the club faced mounting pressure from sponsors and fans.

The two and a half year deal to sign the striker, which appeared all but rubber-stamped this morning, is now no longer on the table.

The protracted talks between the club, player and the Professional Football Association had been played out with the spotlight of the national media shining upon them.

The days have ticked by since weekend revelations that Latics was ready to sign the 26-year-old and a series of likely deadlines for statements from the club have come and gone.

Just yesterday Oldham Athletic chairman Simon Corney — back home in America — revealed some of his feelings in an exclusive interview with the Jewish Chronicle.

He said: “We believe he has served his time. There is an 80 per cent chance of us signing him.

“It’s not straightforward and there are some legal issues.

“There might be a cost implication, but you have to stick to your principles. We weren’t surprised by the backlash.”

He added that three unnamed Premier League managers had contacted him to offer their support.

Mr Corney said that he also understood the concerned expressed supporters and members of the public. “I would never tell people they are wrong to have their own views. But we want people to keep them in check.

“I hope people don’t get too carried away and it doesn’t get too hot,” he said.

Fellow director Barry Owen also told the press pack gathered at Boundary Park last night that the talks were ongoing and that the club would continue to follow due diligence.

But they were both acutely aware of the impact a deal could have on the club with the issue polarising opinion both inside and outside football.

Several sponsors made statements yesterday stating that they would not want to be associated with the club if the controversial signing was completed.

Craig Verling, a director of Verlin Rainwater Solutions which sponsors the Rochdale Road Stand at Oldham Athletic, said: “After receiving the news regarding the imminent signing of Ched Evans it is with great regret that Verlin Rainwater Solutions will no longer be associated with Oldham Athletic.

“We would like to take this opportunity to make clear that we feel that Mr Evans should be able to lead a life without further punishment after serving his sentence, although our feelings remain the same that this should not be within the public domain where his previous behaviour may influence the next generation. We sincerely wish the club a very successful future and have no regrets about being associated with Oldham Athletic over the past few seasons, but feel our continued support would be sending out the wrong message.”

The Chronicle understands the Verlin deal was due to expire at the end of the season.

Chadderton-based Stationary company ZenOffice — which has its name emblazoned across the roof of the Chaddy End — also released a statement stating they would withdraw their sponsorship if the striker was signed.

Les Kerr, ZenOffice managing director, said: “ZenOffice have been sponsors of Oldham Athletic Football Club for five years.

“This partnership has been based on mutual respect as the club did share the same values as ZenOffice, based on family and community.

“ZenOffice do not agree that the current path the club 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.”

Minor sponsorship deals with the likes of Mecca Bingo, NMU, and restaurant chain Nando’s were also in jeopardy.