FOOTBALLING second chances have been a major talking point over the last couple of weeks, with the cases of Malky Mackay and Ched Evans taking centre stage.

Mackay has been appointed as manager of Wigan Athletic, despite currently being the subject of an FA investigation into a series of racist, sexist and homophobic text messages reportedly sent by the Scot.

According to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, who himself has made some pretty ill-advised statements over the past couple of days, Mackay seems to have admitted being in the wrong and says he has learned from his mistakes.

It’s difficult to see how the FA will be able to take further action against Mackay as the text messages were meant to remain private.

However, I am surprised that Whelan has decided that he is the man to take Wigan forward while he is under investigation, but he has met and spoken to Mackay about the situation. Not many other people have.

If the messages were sent, and Mackay doesn't seem to be denying that they were, the big question is whether he really holds the views expressed. I’m sure plenty of people have said or texted things they didn’t mean to friends, either in anger or jest.

Mackay has clearly persuaded Whelan that he is not a racist, sexist or homophobic person, but I’m not sure that I would be particularly pleased to have him as manager if I was a Wigan fan.

Basingstoke Gazette: Ched Evans is due to be released from prison in October

Meanwhile, Evans has been training with former club Sheffield United after being released from prison, where he served half of a five-year sentence after being found guilty of rape.

That agreement has now been withdrawn by the club, which is not really surprising given the pressure being put on by people like Jess Ennis and Nick Clegg.

Evans’ case raises a major moral question. To what extent should a person convicted of a serious crime, such as rape, be able to resume their life when they emerge from prison?

Evans is clearly a talented footballer, so the liberal in me feels uncomfortable with the idea of him being further punished by taking away his right to earn a living.

On the other hand, if I was in his shoes, I’m pretty sure that I would find it nigh-on impossible to find a job in journalism upon my release from prison.

Add to that the fact that footballers, rightly or wrongly, are looked up to by children and young people, and you end up thinking that there should not be a place for him in the game.

Of course, that's unlikely to be the way things pan out, and I’m almost certain that he will return to football. Good players are a valuable commodity and somebody will accept the flak that comes their way if he delivers on the pitch.

Have your say on these issues using the comment box below - or Tweet me @JBoymanGazette.