Chesterfield have confirmed the signing of former Wales international Ched Evans on a one-year deal.
The 27-year-old has not played professional football for more than four years after being jailed for rape in 2012, although his conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April.
Evans has vehemently denied the charges against him and will face a retrial in October, but Chesterfield have opted to offer the striker a route back into football on an initial one-year contract.
"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 told the club's official website.
Chairman Dave Allen added: "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."
Evans, who last played for Sheffield United, won 13 caps for Wales between 2008 and 2011.
Barney Corkhill
