Key players sign new deals at Chester FC

Chester Football Club are delighted to announce that key members of the Blues first team squad have signed new deals at the Deva Stadium for 2020/21.

Joint Bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have re-assembled the strong core of the side that finished in the National League North play-off places last season.

Here’s how the Blues are shaping up…

Under Contract

John Johnston signed an 18-month deal at the Deva when he joined from Altrincham back in January. CFU Player of the Season and left-back in the National League North Team of the Season Joel Taylor also already had pen to paper for this term.

Midfielder George Glendon initially arrived on a short-term basis in August last year, but such was the midfielder enjoying his stay and the environment at Chester FC, he decided to sign a new deal earlier this year which retains his services for this term.

Brad Jackson notched 14 assists last term and won Players’ Player of the Season, showing his ability and also qualities within the dressing room. Despite interest from EFL clubs, Brad put pen to paper in January.

Lloyd-Marsh Hughes, into the second of his two-year deal after coming through the youth academy, and Will Goodwin who is now a first year pro at the club, are both under contract and exciting attacking prospects in the long term for the Blues.

Contract Extensions

Kevin Roberts triggered a contract extension that was appearance based at the end of last season, meaning the vastly experienced full back and utility man will remain a Blue for 2020/21.

We saw flashes of Jamie Morgan’s potential last term, and we will see the attacking full-back at Chester FC once again this season after an option in his contract brought a further extension.

New Signing

A familiar face to the Blues is back as goalkeeper for the upcoming campaign.

As announced earlier tonight, Louis Gray – who made two league appearances following his initial loan arrival from Carlisle United in March – has now signed a permanent deal here following the expiration of his contract with the Cumbrians.

Announced earlier this summer, Jon Worsnop returned to the Blues as Goalkeeper Coach and will also provide backup to Gray.

Signing New Deals

We are delighted to announce that the following players have all agreed to new terms at the Deva Stadium and will remain as part of our exciting squad under Bern and Jonno for the new campaign…

Experienced centre back pairing Danny Livesey and Simon Grand will both be lining up at the heart of defence for Chester for the third season running in 2020/21 – the pair have over 1,000 career appearances between them.

Central midfielder and Vice-Captain last term Gary Roberts has agreed to stay for a third full season at his hometown club. ‘Robbo’ won Goal of the Season for his rocket strike at Southport last Boxing Day.

Anthony Dudley is another exciting player that has extended his stay into a third year, the attacking player score some big goals last term. ‘Duds’ made a strong impact off the bench in the National League North Play-Off game last month with providing an assist – Matty Hughes scored in the defeat in July and is another well liked attacker that has committed to this term.

Louis Hayes and Stuart Crilly signed their first senior deals last summer, and will be staying with the Blues this term, both currently training with other clubs ahead of loan deals in 20/21 to gain further first team experience.

Up front, Danny Elliott and George Waring will be two very different attacking options allowing Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley to mix it up – they scored 16 goals between them last term in all competitions.

WELCOME BACK, LADS!

*Photo credit: Rick Matthews. Will Goodwin did not feature in the picture as he is away on holiday, with Louis Hayes and Stuart Crilly also not present for the photo.

Squad (left to right) …

BACK ROW: Anthony Dudley, George Waring, Danny Elliott, Simon Grand, Danny Livesey, Louis Gray, Jon Worsnop (Player/GK Coach)

THIRD ROW: Joel Taylor, Kev Roberts, Brad Jackson, Gary Roberts

SECOND ROW: John Johnston, George Glendon, Matty Hughes, Jamie Morgan, Lloyd-Marsh-Hughes

FRONT ROW: Bernard Morley, Anthony Johnson (Blues Joint Managers)