Oldham sponsors vow to pull the plug amid Evans row

SEVERAL companies which sponsor of Oldham Athletic FC say they will withdraw their support amid a row over the club’s possible signing of footballer Ched Evans, a convicted rapist.

Chadderton company ZenOffice, which has been a sponsor for the last five years and has its name on one of the stands at the ground, said it will terminate its deal if the signing goes ahead.

Managing director Les Kerr said: “We have strong background in supporting local, community, family based initiatives in the North West. ZenOffice has been a sponsor of Oldham Athletic Football Club for five years.  This partnership has been based on mutual respect as OAFC did share the same values as ZenOffice, based on family and community.

“ZenOffice do not agree that the current path OAFC are embarking on espouses these values. Therefore it is with much regret, that ZenOffice would like to confirm that we will end our association if the move goes ahead to sign Ched Evans.”

Another, Verlin Rainwater Solutions, has already ended its association with the club.

Director Craig Verling said: “We would like to take this opportunity to make clear that we feel that Mr Evans should be able to lead a life without further punishment after serving his sentence, although our feelings remain the same that this should not be within the public domain where his previous behaviour may influence the next generation.

“We sincerely wish the club a very successful future and have no regrets about being associated with Oldham Athletic over the past few seasons, but feel our continued support would be sending out the wrong message.

Despite serving a prison sentence after his conviction in 2012, Evans continues to deny the offence.  Several politicians including Labour leader Ed Milliband and the Bishop of Manchester have urged Oldham not to sign the player.