CHED Evans' move to Oldham Athletic is OFF after the Latics backed out of the deal on the day it was revealed that Grimsby Town also refused to pursue a deal for the convicted rapist.
Evans, 26, was released from prison last October having served half of a five-year sentence for the rape of a 19-year-old woman in a hotel.
He had looked set for a move to Boundary Park, with officials saying that the Welshman 'deserved a second chance', however, this afternoon the League One club have confirmed that it has called off the move because of alleged threats made to staff and sponsors.
This morning, we revealed how a financial backer had offered to cover Evans' wages if the Mariners did want to bring the controversial striker to Blundell Park.
However, speaking to the Telegraph, director John Fenty said the club decided against pursuing a move to protect the club's reputation.
UPDATE: Evans, via the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), has this afternoon issued the following statement:
"I am grateful for the support of the PFA in helping me try to return to football and continue my career.
"Upon legal advice, I was told not to discuss the events in question. This silence has been misinterpreted as arrogance and I would like to state that this could not be further from the truth.
"I do remain limited at present by what I can say due to the ongoing referral to the Criminal Cases Review Commission and whilst I continue to maintain my innocence, I wish to make it clear that I wholeheartedly apologise for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned.
"Finally, it has been claimed that those using social media in an abusive and vindictive way towards this woman are supporters of mine. I wish to make it clear that these people are not my supporters and I condemn their actions entirely and will continue to do so."
