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Ex-Wales international James Chester joins Salford City FC

By Katherine Stephenson on 17th July 2024 in Football, Salford City, Sport

The experienced defender James Chester has signed with The Ammies on a one-year deal.

The new signing follows the 35-year-old’s departure from Barrow AFC this summer. Prior to joining Barrow last term, Chester had previous spells with Hull City, Aston Villa and Stoke City.

The defender is also a Wembley goalscorer having played for The Tigers in their FA Cup Final defeat to Arsenal in 2014.

In his 38 League Two appearances for the Cumbrians, Chester scored twice and helped keep 12 clean sheets in the league last season as the Bluebirds just missed out on a play-off place.

The new centre-half for Salford also reached the semi-finals of the European Championships in 2016 with Wales.

Chester said: “I look back on the games that I have played in, and I think that if you had told me before I started my career, I would never had believed you and I would have snapped your hands off there and then!

“There is a lot to choose from, but I think the Euros on the whole for Wales was a huge highlight, to be involved in that was very very special.

“But I think to have played for, and to represent the clubs that I have done, and to have had the career that I have, I find myself very fortunate and very proud it is continuing.

“I still have a desire to play and win, so hopefully the supporters will see that from me.

“I was out in Dublin with the squad last week and it is a really good group to be around, and there are a lot of young players here too, so hopefully I can help them and bring them along as well.

“I think the week as a whole was brilliant, it was a tough week but I think one which is important to have at this stage of the season to get yourself ready for the opening day.

“I still have the desire to carry it on and take it further, and all the Salford fans will see that.”