Ched Evans, "who faces a retrial over rape allegations in October," joined League One side Chesterfield on a one-year deal, according to the BBC. The former Wales striker was jailed in '12 for raping a 19-year-old woman, "but had his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal in April." The 27-year-old, "who has always denied the charges against him," was released from jail in Oct. '14 after serving half of a five-year sentence. Chesterfield requested that Evans "be given space to concentrate on pre-season training with the club." Club Chair Dave Allen said, "We are delighted to have secured the services of an outstanding footballer, who is now keen to get back to work and score goals." Evans' conviction was referred to the Court of Appeal following a 10-month investigation by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which found "new information not raised at his original trial" (BBC, 6/20). In London, Alan Biggs reported Chesterfield made its move "with at least one other club believed to have been bidding for his services." However, it is understood that Chesterfield "will review the situation if he is found guilty at the retrial." The club has taken a "massive public relations gamble following the outcry that followed previous attempts by other clubs to bring Evans back into football," but is satisfied that the key circumstances "have changed." Chesterfield made its "shock move after a detailed discussion of new evidence with the player and his representatives." The club is confident that Evans will "successfully complete a prolonged fight to clear his name" (DAILY MAIL, 6/20).
