http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30681333
Ched Evans: Oldham Athletic sponsors told deal is done
A deal has been agreed for convicted rapist Ched Evans to play for Oldham Athletic, the club's sponsors say.
They have been told to prepare for an announcement confirming the signing of striker Evans on Thursday or Friday, the BBC has learned.
One sponsor, Verlin Rainwater Solutions, has now ended its association with the club as a result.
Director Craig Verling said the "imminent signing" of Evans, 26, had prompted the decision.
He added: "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."
A second sponsor, ZenOffice, said it will also end its association with the club if Evans signs.
Ched Evans: Oldham face difficult decision - Lee Johnson
Managing director Les Kerr said Oldham's "current path" did not "espouse" the company's values of "family and community".
Oldham, who are 14th in League One, said there would be no statement on Wednesday but hope to make a statement on Thursday.
Wales international Evans was expected to join the Latics on a long-term deal and train with the club on Monday.
But the move met with widespread opposition, stalling the deal.
His representatives have since been in talks with the club and the Professional Footballers' Association.
More than 60,000 people have signed a petition calling for Oldham not to sign the Wales international, while sponsors, campaigners and politicians voiced opposition to the move.
On Wednesday the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, added to those calls, telling BBC Radio Manchester Evans was not a suitable role model.
A counter-petition calling for Evans to be given a second chance has attracted more than 2,000 signatures, while some sponsors have also said he should be given a second chance.
Ched Evans: Oldham Athletic sponsors told deal is done
A deal has been agreed for convicted rapist Ched Evans to play for Oldham Athletic, the club's sponsors say.
They have been told to prepare for an announcement confirming the signing of striker Evans on Thursday or Friday, the BBC has learned.
One sponsor, Verlin Rainwater Solutions, has now ended its association with the club as a result.
Director Craig Verling said the "imminent signing" of Evans, 26, had prompted the decision.
He added: "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."
A second sponsor, ZenOffice, said it will also end its association with the club if Evans signs.
Ched Evans: Oldham face difficult decision - Lee Johnson
Managing director Les Kerr said Oldham's "current path" did not "espouse" the company's values of "family and community".
Oldham, who are 14th in League One, said there would be no statement on Wednesday but hope to make a statement on Thursday.
Wales international Evans was expected to join the Latics on a long-term deal and train with the club on Monday.
But the move met with widespread opposition, stalling the deal.
His representatives have since been in talks with the club and the Professional Footballers' Association.
More than 60,000 people have signed a petition calling for Oldham not to sign the Wales international, while sponsors, campaigners and politicians voiced opposition to the move.
On Wednesday the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, added to those calls, telling BBC Radio Manchester Evans was not a suitable role model.
A counter-petition calling for Evans to be given a second chance has attracted more than 2,000 signatures, while some sponsors have also said he should be given a second chance.