• League 1

Sponsors including Nando's drop Oldham over Evans

Ched Evans served two-and-a-half years for raping a teenage girl in a hotel room © PA Photos

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Some of Oldham Athletic's sponsors have already severed their ties with the club due to the imminent signing of convicted rapist Ched Evans.

Verlin Rainwater Solutions says it will no longer be associated with the club, who are expected to make a statement about the 26-year-old striker on Thursday.

Discussions between the League One club and the Professional Footballers' Association have continued over a possible signing of Evans, despite vociferous opposition, and Oldham owner Simon Corney said on Wednesday there is a very high chance the deal will go through.

Craig Verlin, a director of Verlin Rainwater Solutions which sponsors a stand at the club's ground Boundary Park, said in a statement: "After receiving the news regarding the imminent signing of Ched Evans it is with great regret that Verlin Rainwater Solutions will no longer be associated with Oldham Athletic.

"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."

Restaurant chain Nando's later posted this on Twitter:

RE Oldham signing: we'd have liked to continue our involvement with fan prizes at matches but feel we can no longer continue our association

— Nando's (@NandosUK) January 7, 2015

Oldham said there would be no statement on Wednesday but hope to make a statement on Thursday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd