Non-League Club Ashbrooke Belford House Pursuing Convicted Rapist Ched Evans

Non-League club Ashbrooke Belford House is pushing forward with its attempts to sign rapist Ched Evans, "despite a petition urging them not to reaching 19,000 signatures," according to Oliver Todd of the London DAILY MAIL. Evans had "hoped to return to football after his spell in prison but is yet to find a club to play for." But Ashbrooke, based in Sunderland and playing seven divisions below the professional football pyramid, is willing to give Evans a "second chance" despite the "deafening opposition from outside the club." An online petition on change.org opposing the move has drawn almost 20,000 signatures -- but the club's manager and assistant say that will "not sway their decision." Ashbrooke Manager Asa Dobbing said, "We would give him a chance. We're surprised the petition has got that many signatures, we knew it would be controversial, but we stand by our belief that everyone deserves a second chance" (DAILY MAIL, 2/23).