Jessica Ennis-Hill Will Have Name Removed From Bramhall Lane Stand if Sheffield United Re-Sign Ched Evans

Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill said she will demand Sheffield United remove her name from the stand in Bramhall Lane if Ched Evans is offered a new contract at the League One club.

The heptathlete who triumphed at the 2012 London Olympics has warned the Blades she will distance herself from the club if they decide to offer the convicted rapist the chance to return.

The Sheffield-born athlete said the move would "completely contradict" her beliefs.

Three patrons at Sheffield United have already stepped down from their role in protest at the team's decision to allow Evans to train at the club following his release from prison.

Ennis-Hill said: "I believe being a role model to young people is a huge honour and those in positions of influence in communities should respect the role they play in young people's lives and set a good example.

"If Evans was to be re-signed by the club it would completely contradict these beliefs."

Evans served two and a half years of a five-year sentence after been found guilty of raping a woman at a hotel near Rhyl, north Wales, in May 2011. He continues to maintain his innocence, releasing a YouTube video shortly after his release in which he vowed to clear his name.

TV presenter Charlie Webster, 60s pop star Dave Berry and health expert Lindsay Graham all quit their patron roles from Sheffield United offered Evans to chance to train at the club.

Sponsors DBL Logistics and John Holland Sales Ltd have also threated to cancel their deals with the club if they resign the striker.

The Welsh striker has yet to attend a training session with his former club as the criticism surrounding his return escalates.