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Ched Evans signing means sponsor is 'no longer associated' with Oldham

One of Oldham's sponsors has severed 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.

There have also been reports that Evans and the club have agreed personal terms ahead of any signing.

Craig Verling, a director of Verlin Rainwater Solutions which sponsors a stand at 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."

Meanwhile, another Oldham sponsor, ZenOffice, warned it would sever its five-year relationship with the club if the Evans signing went ahead, while major sponsor Sports Direct -- owned by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley -- has remained silent on the issue.

Chicken restaurant chain Nando's also announced it would be ending its relationship with Oldham.

On Twitter, the company said: "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.''

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