Singer Paul Heaton resigns from role at Sheffield United after rapist returns to training

Published Nov. 17, 2014 3:29 p.m. ET

foxsports

Former Housemartins and Beautiful South frontman Paul Heaton has resigned as a patron of Sheffield United's Community Foundation over the club's decision to allow convicted rapist Ched Evans back to training.

The singer, who said he made the decision with "great regret", said the club needed "to lift its reputation out of the gutter".

TV presenter Charlie Webster, sixties pop star Dave Berry and Sheffield businesswoman Lindsay Graham have all resigned as patrons of the club since Evans returned to training.

Olympic athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill asked for her name to removed from a stand at the club's Bramall Lane ground if Evans returns full-time.