Sheffield United: 'I want to repay Blades fans with goals' admits returning striker Ched Evans

Evans completed his return to Bramall Lane earlier this summer from Chesterfield. He scored 35 goals in his final season for United, before being jailed for rape - a conviction that was later quashed, and he was found not guilty at a retrial.

"It's my club," Evans said.

"Going back is a dream. The majority of the fans have been brilliant with me throughout what happened. I'd like to repay them by getting back to where I was, the form I was in when I left them."

Evans recalled losing two teeth on his debut for Chesterfield after being elbowed - he also scored - but added that "since the not guilty verdict even the abuse from the crowds has died down.

"I think most people now realise I just want to get on with my career, although you do get the odd shout which is fine. Being at a football match can do funny things to people."

Blades boss Chris Wilder, meanwhile, insisted that signing Evans was his decision alone after speculation that it was forced on him by the United board began to spread online.

“Ultimately, it was my decision and mine alone to get Ched,” Wilder said. “I’ve seen and heard things claiming otherwise but, quite simply, they aren’t true. I wouldn’t bring in anyone I didn’t want here or who I didn’t think could make a difference. Full stop.

“If that was ever the case, then I’d shake the chairman’s hand, wish them the best and say ‘thank-you’ before walking out of the front door. Just like I walked in through the front.”