Evans won seven welsh caps as a Wrexham player

Defender Steve Evans has returned to The New Saints after his long-running contractual dispute with the Welsh Premier club was resolved.

Evans, 32, was suspended and then sacked by TNS after his conviction for a public order offence in November.

But the Welsh Football Association has decided that he was unfairly dismissed.

"We've drawn a line under the affair, and Steve - one of the league's best players - has been welcomed back," said Saints' managing director Mike Harris.

At the time, TNS tried to find a compromise solution with former Welsh International Evans, who issued a statement apologising for his actions.

They say he verbally agreed to a revised deal about his future conduct before refusing to sign, and was then sacked.

Harris added: "We tried to find a way forward rather than terminate Steve's contract - it was an opportunity for him to make amends and continue his relationship with us.

"As a club we are strong on discipline and, as captain, we wanted Steve to set an example. We had to take disciplinary measures because we could not condone that sort of behaviour.

"But the Football Association of Wales does not share our view on what behaviour is acceptable, and have decided that the player was unfairly dismissed as the FAW players' contracts do not let you come to a compromise."

Evans has now returned to Saints for pre-season training ahead of their early start in the 2011/12 Europa League, which kicks off in June.

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