Latics battle to restore tarnished image

Neil Joy reads out the club’s official statement about the Evans affair

Oldham Athletic is facing the mammoth task of recovering from one of the darkest periods in its history.

Following a week of intense media scrutiny, it was confirmed yesterday that convicted rapist Ched Evans would NOT become a Latics player.

Chief executive Neil Joy said: “The whole issue has divided opinion and the club has been put under unbearable pressure.

“Proceeding could have placed significant financial pressure on the club and continued to be a divisive influence. As a consequence, the deal could not go ahead.”

Club owner and chairman Simon Corney is thought to be considering his position after denying initial claims he had resigned. The future make up of the Latics board remains uncertain.

The whole issue of the bid for Evans’ signature became so much more than a football story and the club’s board and staff have been shocked by the level of anger shown. The financial implications also proved too much to withstand as sponsors announced they would part company if the deal went ahead.

Verlin Rainwater Solutions, which sponsors the Rochdale Road End stand, and ZenOffice, Chaddy End sponsors, both said they would end their association if Evans joined.

With the exception of Verlin, who now sponsor Gainsborough Trinity, all sponsors are now thought to be happy to continue their association.