One of Chesterfield's sponsors has withdrawn its backing of the club following the recent controversial signing of Ched Evans.
The 27-year-old joined the League One outfit last Monday, just three months before he is due to face a retrial over rape allegations.
Former Wales international Evans had his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal earlier this year, having spent two years in jail for the alleged offence.
Sponsor HTM Products, which carried its name on the West Stand of the club's Proact Stadium, has now announced that it intends to withdraw its support after a six-and-a-half-year association with the Spireites.
"In light of recent events, HTM Products has ceased all sponsorship arrangements with Chesterfield football club," managing director Jon Knapp said on the company's Facebook page.
A Chesterfield spokesman is quoted by The Guardian as saying: "HTM Products had already advised us at the end of last season that they were not planning to renew their stand sponsorship.
"The reaction to the signing of Ched Evans from other current sponsors has been very positive and we have also attracted new sponsors since the signing was announced."
Evans, capped 13 times for Wales between 2008 and 2011, has previously plied his trade for Manchester City, Norwich City and Sheffield United at club level.
Daniel Lewis
