Yahoo Sport 
Ched Evans set to return to Sheffield United six months after being cleared of rape charge
Ched Evans, the footballer, who fought a four-year legal battle to clear his name after being convicted of rape, culminating in his acquittal of rape at a retrial last year, is set to join his former team in a move that could divide many of its loyal fans.
Sheffield United, who have just been crowned Champions of League One, are close to re-signing the player, whose conviction for an alleged sex attack was quashed last year.
Evans, 28, a former Welsh international, was jailed in 2012 after being convicted of raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room following a night out in Rhyl, North Wales.
He served two and a half years of a five year prison sentence, but always maintained his innocence and after being released, set about attempting to clear his name, with the help and support of his girlfriend, Natasha Massey.
Evans, who had been one of Sheffield United's best players before his conviction, also attempted to resurrect his career.
But when, prior to his acquittal, the club offered him the chance to play again, the move was met with a storm of protest, including from many of the club's high profile supporters.
Olympic Golden Girl, Jessica Ennis-Hill, who has a stand at the club's Bramall Lane ground named after her, threatened to withdraw her association and fellow celebrity supporters, television presenter, Charlie Webster, musicians Dave Berry and Paul Heaton and businesswoman Lindsay Graham, all resigned as patrons of the club.
In addition 150,000 people signed a petition condemning the prospect of Evans’ return.
Jessica Ennis threatened to remove her name from one of the stands if the club resigned Evans.
While many supporters called for him to be given a second chance, the storm of protest became so intense that the club, whose nickname is The Blades, eventually scrapped the move, with co-chairman Jim Phipps blaming “mob-like behaviour” for the U-turn.
Other teams including Hartlepool United and Oldham Athletic also dropped plans to sign the player after criticism from supporters and a backlash from rape charities.
Following his acquittal he issued a statement in which he said: “Whilst my innocence has now been established, I wish to make it clear that I wholeheartedly apologise to anyone who might have been affected by the events of the night in question.
He added: “Everyone associated with the past 5 years now has the right to move on with their lives and I wish no ill will to anybody.”
And last summer he was offered the chance to move on when League One side Chesterfield sign him on a one year contract.
Resuming his playing career at the beginning of this season, he scored on his debut against Oxford United and netted a further six, despite suffering a number of injuries.
But now he looks to set to return to his spiritual home following a £500,000 deal between Sheffield United and Chesterfield.
