CHED EVANS IS to return to professional football after signing a one-year contract with League One club Chesterfield.
The striker, who faces a retrial over rape allegations in October, has been given a chance to resurrect his career at Chesterfield four years after his last appearance.
Evans was jailed in 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman at a hotel near Rhyl in Wales but had his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal in April.
He served half of his five-year term and was released in October 2014, but has struggled to find a new employer since with moves to Sheffield United, Hartlepool and Oldham all falling through.
With his next court appearance set for 4 October, it was expected the outcome of Evans’ retrial would determine whether he would ever return to football.
However, Chesterfield has decided to offer the 27-year-old a 12-month deal with an option to extend it for a further season.
The club says it has given the decision “a great deal of thought” with Evans set to join up with the squad for pre-season training next month.
“We are delighted to have secured the services of an outstanding footballer, who is now keen to get back to work and score goals,” Chesterfield chairman Dave Allen told the club’s website.
“Danny Wilson [manager] knows Ched very well, having previously managed him at Sheffield United. Chris Morgan, our first team coach, also speaks highly of him from their time together at Bramall Lane.
“Chesterfield Football Club have given a great deal of thought to this signing and following the court’s decision, we are in no doubt that Ched Evans should be welcomed back into his profession as a professional footballer.”
Evans will link-up with manager Danny Wilson, who was in charge of Sheffield United when Evans was sent to prison four years ago.
“I am very excited and privileged to be resuming my career at Chesterfield and I hope to make a valuable contribution both on and off the pitch for the football club, the fans and the community,” Evans said.
By offering Evans a route back into football, Chesterfield face a major backlash from supporters.
Sheffield United, Hartlepool and Oldham were all subjected to protests from fans and sponsors when they were linked with a move for the free agent.
Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill requested her name be removed from a stand at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground after the club allowed Evans to train with them following his release from prison.
The 22-time capped Welsh international progressed through the youth ranks at Manchester City before moving to Sheffield United for £3 million in 2009. He spent three years at the club, scoring 48 goals.
Comments have been disabled as the case is still before the courts.
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