Hartlepool United: We will not be signing Ched Evans

Hartlepool United do not intend signing Ched Evans and, for the avoidance of doubt, will not be doing so, irrespective of his obvious ability as a football player.

This story has emerged following an unsubstantiated internet rumour which the manager was asked to comment upon. The manager responded hypothetically to the situation by stating "if it could happen I would want it to happen".

This response was based upon the player’s obvious ability as a footballer and as such as then been headlined by the media without asking the Club for their official position.

The Club can fully understand the concerns of supporters and the general public and regrets any misconception portrayed. After a highly positive week at Hartlepool United following the takeover by new owners and the appointment of a new manager, the owners are saddened by this unfortunate turn of events and wish to draw a line under it immediately.

I really hope we don't. I love my club, I love Hartlepool United. There's a reason why no other team in the Football League wants to sign him - he is a pariah.

I was at the match today. There were lots of young lads there supporting Hartlepool United. I just think it sends out such a wrong message to young men in terms of it being OK for a rapist to play football. It's entirely wrong.

If it could happen for me, I would want it to happen. There is no doubt about that. He is a proven goalscorer. He has served his time for me and the boy wants to play football.

I know what will happen now, everybody will me groaning and you see what happened at Sheffield United

You keep pushing the lad away. He made a mistake and maybe he hasn't made the apology in the right way and there is a case pending on the appeal.

On the football matters, if he gets on the park he will go a long way to getting us out of trouble, that's for sure. It is a possibility, I would leave it at that for now.