Chester FC striker Jamie Reed is to leave the club to take up a coaching role in Australia.

Reed, 26, who will be a spectator for Saturday’s home Skrill Premier game against Nuneaton Town, will head Down Under to Melbourne for a second time after previously plying his trade as a player with Victorian Premier League side Dandenong Thunder SC in 2010.

Chester-born Reed joined the Blues in the summer following his release by York City after their promotion back to the Football League, but has struggled for form this season, netting just twice in 26 games.

Reed arrived at the Swansway Chester Stadium with an impressive goal scoring pedigree having hit 41 goals in 52 games at Welsh Premier League side Bangor City between 2009 and 2011.

The former Wrexham striker starred in Chester manager Steve Burr’s first game in charge following Neil Young’s departure when he slotted home a last-gasp winner in the Blues’ 2-1 home win over Barnet on January 18.

That was to be the last time Reed, whose other goal came in a 1-0 win at Alfreton Town on October 9, found the target for the Blues as he struggled for form and found opportunities in Burr’s revamped Chester side hard to come by.

Reed confirmed his exit on Twitter and reserved praise for the Blues, saying: “Thanks to everyone at Chester FC for this season. Amazing club run by amazing people and I'm sure the lads will keep CFC up.”