Oldham were on the brink of signing Evans on a two and a half year deal, bit backed out due to pressure from fans and politicians. A petition for Evans not to sign with the club had reached over 60,000 signatures before the club confirmed he would not be signed.

Evans was found guilty of rape and served two and a half years of a five year sentence before his release in October.

His attempts to find a club since hi release have sparked a widespread debate not only amongst football fans but society as a whole, with even David Cameron issuing a statement on the matter.

He looked set to sign for former club Sheffield United before sponsors and patrons, as well as a petition with over 150,000 signatures, made the club think twice.

He has been linked with a host of League One and Two clubs in recent weeks but Oldham was the closest he had come to signing for anyone.

Now that move has fallen through, the PFA released a statement, in which they explained their role in the discussions between Evans and the club, and reiterated their support for him.

"The PFA's position remains the same, as we have expressed previously, that any club which decides to sign him would receive our support." the statement read.

"We fully recognise that this is a delicate and emotive case and entirely respect that there are opposing views. However, we always felt it was important that Ched made some further comment regarding his current situation..."

The statement then included direct quotes from Evans in which he apologised for the the repercussions of what happened that night, but also maintained his innocence of raping the woman.

“I am grateful for the support of the PFA in helping me try to return to football and continue my career." Evans said.

"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."

He also commented on the amount of abuse and threats aimed at the victim, who has relocated several times due to the harassment of those claiming to support Evans.

Evans however, does not endorse any abusive action taken towards her. "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."