Ched Evans returns to Sheffield United on three-year contract

Wales international rejoins the Blades for an undisclosed fee.

Sheffield United have re-signed striker Ched Evans from Chesterfield on a three-year deal, the Blades have announced.

Evans was released by United in the summer of 2012 after he was found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman and sentenced to five years in prison.

That conviction was quashed and at a retrial last year, Evans was found not guilty.

Evans, who joins United for an undisclosed fee, told the club’s official website: “I am delighted to be back.

“I still feel I have plenty to prove in football both at club and international level and I believe I can achieve those goals at United, playing in front of the terrific fans whose support I have always appreciated.

“I am very grateful to Chesterfield, the board and football management for giving me an opportunity to return to the game.

Ched Evans (right) and his partner Natasha Massey

Ched Evans and partner Natasha Massey outside Cardiff Crown Court, where he was found not guilty of raping a teenager in a hotel (Ben Birchall/PA)

“It is just disappointing that it has come in a season which has seen the club suffer relegation. I would like to thank the Chesterfield fans who made me feel so welcome.”

Manager Chris Wilder, who led the Blades to promotion to the Sky Bet Championship this season, said of Evans: “The signing is just one element of the plans we have drawn up for next season.

“We have done our homework on the player. We pride ourselves on team spirit – as the fans have seen this season – and plan to bring in players who can be part of that.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder (Tim Goode/PA)

“Ched comes to us with targets to achieve along the way. With a full pre-season with us we believe he can provide us with options up front and score goals.”

Chesterfield director and company secretary Ashley Carson said: “Following our relegation to League Two, we recognised it was not in the best interests of Ched if he were to stay.

“So, in consultation with manager Gary Caldwell, a decision was made to sell the player. Sheffield United made an offer which has been accepted.

“We wish Ched all the very best for the future.”

Ched Evans

Ched Evans during his first spell with Sheffield United (Mike Egerton/Empics)

Evans’ first stint with United lasted three seasons, the third of which saw him score 35 goals in all competitions.

The club offered him the use of their training facilities in November 2014 after his release from prison, but the criticism the move attracted forced them to revoke the offer.

The 28-year-old former Manchester City and Wales player joined Chesterfield on a one-year deal last summer and put pen to paper on a 12-month extension in January.

Evans scored seven times in 29 appearances for the Spireites, with the last goal coming in December. He last played in a match on March 4, with an ankle problem curtailing the last few weeks of his season.