The Hull City manager insists the Welshman should be
allowed to return to professional football and believes he stands a good
chance of overturning his rape conviction
Evans saw a move to Boundary Park collapse this week after the League One club bowed to pressure from the public, media and sponsors, leaving his hopes of resuming his professional career looking increasingly forlorn.
Oldham chairman Simon Corney claimed to have received support from three unnamed Premier League managers before the move fell through, and Bruce admits he was among them.
"I've known Simon for a lot of years now," he told reporters. "He'd looked at the case too. He was of the opinion to give the kid a chance.
"I can only say on behalf of myself - I know I might be upsetting people - but there is a question of the rape and how he's been convicted by a jury.
"When you look at the evidence, it is there for appeal."
Bruce remains confident Evans can make a return to football and believes the 26-year-old stands a good chance of seeing his conviction overturned in the future.
"I'm a big believer that if you have done your time everyone deserves a second chance, we have seen footballers involved with accidents and being given a second chance," he added.
"It's a very difficult situation for everyone concerned. It's a pity they could not have the appeal and get it over and done with.
"It has divided opinion of course and when you look at the case in detail and, I don't think most people have really, because they have just seen Ched Evans as a convicted rapist, when you do look at the case and look at the evidence then certainly Ched has got a case.
"For me the appeal can't come quick enough for Ched.
"It must be a frustrating and difficult time for him and I think the events of the appeal, for me, will see Ched be allowed to play football again."
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