Hartlepool manager Ronnie Moore has expressed his interest in signing convicted rapist Ched Evans.

Mr Moore, who took over as boss of the bottom club in the Football League this week, said the controversial move was "a possibility".

"If it could happen, I would want it to happen," he said.

Ched Evans had an offer to train at his former club, Sheffield United, retracted last month following an outcry over what many considered a step towards his return to professional football.

The 25-year-old former Wales international was released from prison in October after serving half of a five-year jail sentence for rape.

Shortly afterwards he released a video statement appealing for "a second chance" in football, but was fiercely criticised over his failure to apologise to his victim.

Speaking after today's 1-1 draw against Oxford, Mr Moore told reporters: "He is a proven scorer; he's served his time and the boy wants to play football.

"If there is a chance he might come here, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't.

"He has made a mistake and maybe he hasn't apologised in the right way - and I know he has an appeal case pending - but if he gets on the park, he would go a long way to getting us out of trouble.

The announcement was immediately criticised by Hartlepool Labour MP and football fan Iain Wright.

"I really hope we don't. I love my club, I love Hartlepool United, Mr Wright said.

"There's a reason why no other team in the Football League wants to sign him - he is a pariah.

"I was at the match today. There were lots of young lads there supporting Hartlepool United. I just think it sends out such a wrong message to young men in terms of it being OK for a rapist to play football. It's entirely wrong."