LATEST: Ched Evans to face new rape trial in October

The 27-year-old, who played for Sheffield United between 2009 and 2012, was convicted in 2012 of raping a woman in a North Wales hotel room but the conviction was later quashed.

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The former Sheffield United, Manchester City and Norwich player was released from jail in October 2014 after serving half of his five-year sentence imposed for the rape conviction.

But his case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the conviction was quashed last month.

Evans, 27, who has not played professional football since his release from prison, has always denied raping the woman.

Judges who quashed the rape conviction and ordered a re-trial, said 'fresh evidence' had emerged which 'undermines the safety of his conviction'.

No details about the nature of the new evidence can be reported until the conclusion of the new trial.

His new trial date of October 4 was set today at a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

Evans, who is on unconditional bail, entered a not guilty plea.