Ched Evans signs for Chesterfield as he awaits retrial over rape charges

The 27-year-old was convicted of raping a 19-year-old woman in 2011 and jailed in 2012 but is now set to face a retrial in October after pleading not guilty in May

Ched Evans is revealed as a Chesterfield player (Getty)

Ched Evans has secured a return to football with Chesterfield after having his conviction for rape quashed in April.

The 27-year-old was convicted of raping a 19-year-old woman in 2011 and was jailed in 2012 but is set to face a retrial in October after pleading not guilty in May.

Evans’ last appearances as a professional footballer came in April 2012 when he scored for Sheffield United in a 3-1 victory against Leyton Orient. League One club Chesterfield, who describe themselves as "delighted" to have signed the striker, are prepared to offer him a one-year deal with the option for a second season.

The former Wales international striker served half of a five-year sentence before his release in September 2014 and came close to joining Oldham Athletic that winter.

Following an appeal to the Court of Appeal for review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, it was decided that Evans would have his verdict overturned but he nonetheless faces a retrial.

Speaking to Chesterfield's official website, he said: "I am very excited and privileged to be resuming my career at Chesterfield and I hope to make a valuable contribution both on and off the pitch for the football club, the fans and the community."

Evans has always maintained his innocence and has continued to train in the hope of securing another contract with a professional football club.

Chesterfield chairman Dave Allen added: "We are delighted to have secured the services of an outstanding footballer, who is now keen to get back to work and score goals. "Danny Wilson knows Ched very well, having previously managed him at Sheffield United. Chris Morgan, our first team coach, also speaks highly of him from their time together at Bramall Lane.

"Chesterfield Football Club have given a great deal of thought to this signing and following the court’s decision, we are in no doubt that Ched Evans should be welcomed back into his profession as a professional footballer."