PA Images
One of Chesterfield's sponsors has decided to part ways with the club in light of the decision to sign Ched Evans only a few months before he faces a re-trial for rape.The Guardian reports that HTM Products, a local fitting company, has announced that it will be cancelling its sponsorship deal with the club "in light of recent events." Chesterfield confirmed Evans' signing earlier this week, with club chairman Dave Allen saying that he was "delighted to have secured the services of an outstanding footballer, who is now keen to get back to work and score goals."Evans was convicted of the rape of a 19-year-old woman in 2011, and sentenced to five years in prison. He was released in October 2014, having served around half of his term.The former Sheffield United striker maintained his innocence throughout his jail term, and saw his conviction quashed at the court of appeal in March 2016. He is now set for a retrial, with proceedings due to begin on 4 October.HTM Products has sponsored Chesterfield for six years. A post on its official Facebook page, attributed to managing director John Knapp, reads: "In light of recent events, HTM Products has ceased all sponsorship arrangements with Chesterfield football club."This is not the first time that a club has seen its sponsorship take a hit owing to involvement with Evans. Sheffield United offered him the opportunity to train at the club at 2014 and faced a significant backlash from fans and benefactors, while a potential deal with Oldham Athletic fell through in January 2015 after sponsors put pressure on the club.