Chesterfield CEO "delighted" with Ched Evans verdict

Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner has said that he is "delighted" with Ched Evans's 'not guilty' verdict in his retrial for rape.

The 27-year-old was proclaimed innocent by a jury considering his retrial case at Cardiff Crown Court, four-and-a-half years after he was found guilty of raping a teenage girl in a Welsh hotel room.

Evans spent more than two years in prison and mounted several unsuccessful attempts at a football comeback following his release, before being given a chance by the League One Spireites over the summer.

In a statement on the Chesterfield website this afternoon, Turner said: "We are naturally delighted with the outcome, especially for Ched, his family and friends. We can now all move forward and focus on football."

Evans has been absent from Danny Wilson's side since September 10 while he participated in the retrial proceedings but is now expected to return to training later this month.