Sheffield United

Sheffield United co-chairman Jim Phipps "angry" about Ched Evans exit

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 21 November 2014

Sheffield United's Jim Phipps says that he is 'angry and upset' that the club have rescinded their decision to allow convicted rapist Ched Evans to train at the club.

Sheffield United co-chairman Jim Phipps has admitted that he is 'angry and upset' that the club have been forced to rescind their agreement to allow convicted rapist Ched Evans to train at the club.

Last week, the League One outfit welcomed Evans back to their training facilities after being contacted by the Professional Footballers' Association following the midfielder's release from prison last month.

The former Wales international served half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel back in 2011.

The Blades were forced to retract their agreement following a backlash from fans and public figures, including television presenter Charlie Webster and musician Paul Heaton, both of whom stepped down as patrons, while Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill told the club to remove her name from a stand at Bramall Lane if they re-employ Evans.

"I'm angry that we are not able to get a chance to do for this footballer what should be done," said Phipps.

"I'm upset that we are not able to do what we wanted to do, but I acknowledge that my view is not the only view. My principles and the board's principles are not the only thing that matter."

After his release from jail, Evans expressed a desire to return to football.