Local MP Iain Wright has said that it would set out the wrong message if Hartlepool United sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

Hartlepool boss Ronnie Moore confirmed that he would be interested in signing Evans, who spent two-and-a-half years in prison for the rape of a women in 2011.

However, Wright thinks it would be bad move by the club, saying in a statement: "I really hope we don't. I love my club, I love Hartlepool United. There's a reason why no other team in the Football League wants to sign him- he is a pariah.

"I was at the match today. There were lots of young lads there supporting Hartlepool United. I just think it sends out such a wrong message to young men in terms of it being OK for a rapist to play football. It's entirely wrong."

Moore has only recently been appointed at Hartlepool, who currently sit bottom of League Two, seven points away from safety.