Steve Bruce Supports Ched Evans Football Return

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has revealed he contacted Oldham Athletic to lend his support as they attempted to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

The deal fell through yesterday after threats were made to the club's board members and their families.

At a press conference earlier, the Tigers boss confirmed he was one of three Premier League managers to have offered Oldham chairman, Simon Corney, who had offered him their backing for the move.

Bruce told Viking FM that he thinks Evans - who served half of a five-year sentence- should be allowed to return to football and it's only right he's given a second chance:

"I'm a big believer in that if you've done your time, you've done your time and everybody deserves a second chance. We've seen footballers involved with accidents and have been given a second chance and for me the appeal can't come quick enough for Ched. I think the events of the appeal will see, for me, that Ched will be allowed to play football again.

"It's a pity that they couldn't get the appeal over and done with and see the thoughts of the appeal. It's divided opinion of course and when you look at the case in detail and I think most people haven't really because they've just seen Ched Evans as a convicted rapist, but when you do look at the case and look at the evidence then certainly Ched has got a case.

"Simon Corney was of the opinion to give the kid a chance, which I can say on behalf of myself and I know it might be upsetting for people but when you do look at the case in depth, in detail then there is a question of the rape. I know he was convicted of it by a jury but when you do look at the evidence, it is there for appeal."