Chesterfield sponsor pulls out

24 June 2016 15:24

A local company has pulled its sponsorship of Chesterfield "in light of recent events".

The decision comes at the end of a week which saw the League One club agree a 12-month contract with striker Ched Evans, although the company refused to confirm if that was the reason behind the decision.

The Welsh striker, 27, signed an initial one-year deal with the option of another 12 months and he will officially become a Spireite on July 1, a little over three months before he will go on trial for rape.

Derbyshire-based fitting company HTM Products has sponsored Chesterfield for six years but has said it will no longer do so.

A post on the HTM Products Derbyshire LTD Facebook page said: "In light of recent events, HTM products has ceased all sponsorship arrangements with Chesterfield football club. Jon Knapp-Managing Director.``

When contacted by the Press Association, HTM would not elaborate on the decision.

Evans will be in court on October 4 charged with raping a woman in May 2011. He has pleaded not guilty.

The former Manchester City and Norwich player was jailed in 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman but the Court of Appeal quashed his conviction in April.

Upon signing for Chesterfield on Monday, Evans said he felt ''excited and privileged'' to be offered the chance to resume his football career at the Proact Stadium.

Source: PA