Ched Evans is set to resume his career as a professional footballer after signing for Chesterfield – just months before he is due to face a retrial over rape allegations.
The 27-year-old striker was jailed in 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman but his conviction was quashed in April at the Court of Appeal.
He was released in October 2014 after he served half of a five-year sentence.
Evans has not played a professional game since 2012 but has today signed a one-year contract with League One side Chesterfield.
Chesterfield chairman 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.
"Danny Wilson knows Ched very well, having previously managed him at Sheffield United. Chris Morgan, our first team coach, also speaks highly of him from their time together at Bramall Lane.
“Chesterfield Football Club have given a great deal of thought to this signing and following the court’s decision, we are in no doubt that Ched Evans should be welcomed back into his profession as a professional footballer."
The club have said no further statements will be released on the decision to resign the Welsh forward to allow him to focus on pre-season training.
Evans said: "I am very excited and privileged to be resuming my career at Chesterfield and I hope to make a valuable contribution both on and off the pitch for the football club, the fans and the community."
Evans is due to face a retrial in October after his conviction was referred to the Court of Appeal following an investigation by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
The commission found new information which was not raised at the trial which could have helped the footballer.
CCRC chairman Richard Foster said at the time: "In this case we have identified new material which was not considered by the jury at trial and which in our view might have assisted the defence.
"In those circumstances, it is right and proper for the matter to be before the court so that they can decide whether or not the new information should affect the verdict."
A panel decided to allow the retrial after they heard "fresh evidence" from Evans' lawyers.
The former Manchester City and Sheffield United player almost joined Oldham Athletic in January last year before the club opted not to sign him amid threats to staff and pressure from sponsors.
