Convicted rapist Ched Evans finally offered some form of an apology yesterday but still maintained his innocence after Oldham decided not to sign the striker.

On Wednesday night, the deal was “80 per cent” complete according to club owner Simon Corney but due to “enormous pressure from sponsors” the club performed a massive U-turn.

Since his release from prison, there has been a large call for the former Sheffield United striker to show some remorse and apologise to the victim but Evans remained silent.

He did release a video statement the day after his release saying sorry for cheating on his fiancee Natasha Massey but showed no contrition towards the woman he raped.

But after a number of clubs rejected the chance to offer the striker a route back into the game, Evans issued a long overdue “apology” towards the victim.

In a statement released via the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) he said: “I am grateful for the support of the PFA in helping me try to return to football and continue my career.

“Upon legal advice, I was told not to discuss the events in question. This silence has been misinterpreted as arrogance and I would like to state that this could not be further from the truth.

“I do remain limited at present by what I can say due to the ongoing referral to the Criminal Cases Review Commission and while I continue to maintain my innocence, I wish to make it clear that I wholeheartedly apologise for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned.

“Finally, it has been claimed that those using social media in an abusive and vindictive way towards this woman are supporters of mine. I wish to make it clear that these people are not my supporters and I condemn their actions entirely and will continue to do so.”

Oldham lost a number of sponsors over the Evans situation with plenty more planning on leaving were they to sign the 26-year-old.

But it seems the fear of losing millions of pounds and threats against board members’ families — Greater Manchester Police said they are not investigating any reports of   death threats or threats of a sexual nature — caused Oldham to change their minds.

The League One team said in a statement: “It has been widely reported that Oldham Athletic will not be signing Ched Evans, which we can now confirm.

“The whole issue has divided opinion and the club has been put under unbearable pressure as a result.

“Proceeding could have placed significant financial pressure on the club and continued to be a divisive influence. As a consequence, the deal could not go ahead.

“As a club we condemn all crime including rape and, irrespective of any appeal procedure, it was always the case that we were prepared to withstand the barrage of abuse that is evident within the country and on social media.

“We deplore and condemn the vile and abusive threats, some including death threats, which have been made to our fans, sponsors and staff while this process has been in the public domain.”