Wilson excited by Ched Evans' Proact potential but says patience will be key

Danny Wilson is excited about the potential Ched Evans brings to the Proact, but says patience will be key for his high profile summer signing.
Ched Evans in action for Chesterfield (Pic: Craig Lamont)Ched Evans in action for Chesterfield (Pic: Craig Lamont)
Ched Evans in action for Chesterfield (Pic: Craig Lamont)

The former Sheffield United striker’s four-year absence from the competitive game, having been convicted and jailed for rape before having the conviction quashed, means there is no guarantee he’ll repeat his past goalscoring exploits.

Addressing the arrival of a man who scored 35 goals in the 2011/12 season for the Blades, Wilson told BBC Radio Sheffield’s Football Heaven that the decision to sign him was based purely on what Evans can do on the pitch.

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“Why not?” asked Wilson, who managed the Welsh international at Sheffield United.

“We had the opportunity to bring him in.

“He’s in exactly the same situation as he was in at Sheffield United, and he plays.

“Overall the decision to bring the footballer in was based on his footballing ability.”

Wilson knows that Evans, who has looked impressive in pre-season friendlies for the Spireites, could be one of League One’s most important signings of the summer.

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The veteran manager is not one for bold predictions however, instead urging caution when it comes to expectations on the frontman.

“We’ve signed a player who, if he plays anything like we know he can play, he will be a fabulous asset to us,” he said.

“He hasn’t played football for a very long time.

“It’s going to take a bit of patience with him, understanding as well and we’ll see what happens after that.

“What we can’t talk about is what will happen in the future because we just don’t know,” he added.

Wilson’s men host Leicester City Under 21s tonight.