Sheffield United co-chairman Jim Phipps was “angry and upset” yesterday after the club were forced to withdraw their offer to allow convicted rapist Ched Evans to train with the Blades.

The Professional Footballers’ Association contacted the club last week and asked them if they would allow the Welsh striker to regain his fitness using their facilities.

But with the number of club patrons stepping down, Jessica Ennis-Hill releasing a statement warning Sheffield United that she would want her name removed from the stand at Bramall Lane as well as the public’s reaction led to the League One side retracting their offer late on Thursday.