SELBY Town manager Christian Fox has issued an apology after the club’s “extremely insensitive” decision to twice offer Reece Thompson a chance to sign.

Thompson last year received a 40-month domestic violence conviction of assault, grievous bodily harm and criminal damage.

Fox acknowledged the decision “dragged up horrible memories” and will reach out to local domestic abuse services.

Fox told the club’s website: “The recent events surrounding the club have been severely misjudged.

“Thinking of giving someone like that an opportunity was misplaced and we should have realised that after the first incident. To think about it twice was extremely insensitive.

“There is not one individual person to blame on this and we should have been aware of the depth of ill feeling the matter would attract.

“We have dragged up horrible memories for individuals and families who suffer from domestic abuse. There is one victim who has suffered more than anyone in this and to her and her family we offer our unreserved apologies.

“We need to try and offer her some comfort and we will be writing to her privately.

“I want the club to be able to move on from this but I know it is going to take time and for a lot of people, that won’t be possible.

“On a personal level, I will be reaching out to the domestic abuse service companies in the area to try and build a relationship with them and support them in raising awareness of this horrible violence.

“I know words will never be enough but believe me when I say how sorry we are with the upset we have caused to so many. We are not trying to make excuses or cover anything up.

“I hope once again Selby Town FC will be able to regain trust and rebuild its standing in the community.”