Chester Bring in Astles

...central defender Ryan Astles from Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North neighbours Northwich Victoria.

The defender actually featured for the academy at Chester in his younger years - also being on the books at Tranmere Rovers.

He has since gone on to play for Wigan reserves, Buckley Town and Rhyl before joining Northwich.

In 2014/15 at Rhyl he scored 6 goals and picked up players' player, fans` player, managers' player and committee player of the year - and was also nominated for Welsh Premier young player of the year.

The tall, imposing defender played a key part in Northwich's Emirates FA Cup run this term, scoring at Boreham Wood in their shock away win in the First Round- also playing the full 90 minutes in the 3-2 defeat at Northampton.

On the signing, Chester boss Steve Burr said: "We watched him during Northwich's FA Cup run and we were very impressed.

"He's young and hungry to make the step up, and hopefully he can do just that. I'm very pleased to get him in, he knows the step up is big but he is capable."