Oldham’s sponsor Verlin Rainwater Solutions severed ties with the club yesterday over the imminent signing of convicted rapist Ched Evans.

The move by Verlin all but confirms that Evans will return to football just months after being released from prison after serving half of a five-year sentence behind bars for the rape of a 19-year-old in a hotel in Rhyl, north Wales.

It is believed that the striker will earn up to £2,500 a week.

Director of the company Craig Verlin said on Monday that should Evans join the club the sponsorship with the club would end and has followed through on his word.

A statement from Verlin read: “After receiving the news regarding the imminent signing of Ched Evans it is with great regret that Verlin Rainwater Solutions will no longer be associated with Oldham Athletic.

“We would like to take this opportunity to make clear that we feel that Mr Evans should be able to lead a life without further punishment after serving his sentence, although our feelings remain the same that this should not be within the public domain where his previous behaviour may influence the next generation.

“We sincerely wish the club a very successful future and have no regrets about being associated with Oldham Athletic over the past few seasons but feel our continued support would be sending out the wrong message.”

Owner Simon Corney confirmed there is an “80 per cent” chance of the club signing Evans, saying he “has served his time.”

Corney said the decision had been agreed unanimously by all six members of the Oldham board, telling the Jewish Chronicle: “We believe he has served his time. There is an 80 per cent chance of us signing him. It won’t be done today (Wednesday). It’s not straightforward and there are some legal issues.

“There might be a cost implication but you have to stick to your principles. We weren’t surprised by the backlash.

“I completely understand people’s views and I respect them. I would never tell people they are wrong to have their own views. But we want people to keep them in check.

“I hope people don’t get too carried way and it doesn’t get too hot.”

Reports on Tuesday night suggested that Evans’s future father-in-law — a millionaire who has paid for legal fees and a website which vilifies the victim — would subsidise any wages or loss of sponsorship money but with the striker earning a similar amount to the other Oldham players Evans’s father-in-law’s money will not be necessary.

The club said yesterday: “There will be no statement on Wednesday about Ched Evans but hopefully on a Thursday there will be.”