Yesterday, Hartlepool manager Ronnie Moore said that signing Ched Evans to help his side climb off the bottom of the League 2 table was 'a possibility'. Today, the powers that be at the club have made sure that it is anything but.
Following the inevitable backlash against Moore's comments, the club have moved swiftly to deny that they are considering signing the Welsh international. A statement on the club's website reads:
Hartlepool United do not intend signing Ched Evans and, for the avoidance of doubt, will not be doing so, irrespective of his obvious ability as a football player.
This story has emerged following an unsubstantiated internet rumour which the manager was asked to comment upon. The manager responded hypothetically to the situation by stating "if it could happen I would want it to happen". This response was based upon the player’s obvious ability as a footballer and as such as then been headlined by the media without asking the club for their official position.
Given Moore's comments and his status as an experienced manager, you sense that Hartlepool may be stretching the truth a bit by saying that Moore's comments were solely personal. It seems unlikely that he would say it was a possibility without any inkling of support from the club's board. However, they have obviously decided to act quickly to nullify any negative press which the comments provoked.
Club chairman Peter Harris concluded by stating in no uncertain terms that Moore's comments did not represent the club as a whole.
We are upset at the manner in which this story has escalated and wish to make it clear that the player will not be joining the club. All we are concentrating on is league survival and do not want anything to upset that goal. The club regrets any upset that may have been caused but we feel we must deal with this matter quickly and put the story to bed once and for all.
