Hartlepool Rule Out Signing Ched Evans

Hartlepool have announced they will not sign convicted rapist Ched Evans, after manager Ronnie Moore expressed some interest in the 25-year-old.

Moore, who took charge of the League Two club last week, had said on Saturday that signing Evans was a "possibilty" and that the player had "served his time".

However, in a strong statement on the club's website, Hartlepool said they did not intend to sign Evans and "for the avoidance of doubt, will not be doing so, irrespective of his obvious ability as a football player".

"We are upset at the manner in which this story has escalated and wish to make it clear that the player will not be joining the club," chairman Peter Harris said.

“All we are concentrating on is league survival and do not want anything to upset that goal.

“The club regrets any upset that may have been caused but we feel we must deal with this matter quickly and put the story to bed once and for all."

In their statement, the club described Moore's comments as answers to a hypothetical question based only on Evans' ability as a footballer.

The statement said the club wished to draw a line under the issue immediately, and said they understood the concerns of supporters and the general public and regretted any misconception portrayed.

Evans was released in October after serving half of a five-year sentence for the rape of a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in 2011.

The former Sheffield United and Wales striker already had an offer to train at the Blades retracted last month amidst strong public opposition.