LIAM Brownhill admits he was ‘overwhelmed’ when the transfer rumours linking him with a move to Chester FC turned out to be true.

The 24-year-old was weighing up his options at the end of last season when he heard the Blues were interested in his services.

Despite having a host of other offers on the table, he had no hesitation in leaving Blue Square North side Droylsden and signing for Neil Young’s team last month.

As Chester’s new-look squad assemble for pre-season training, Brownhill said: “I’m itching for the season to begin so I can pull on the shirt.

“I’d heard about Chester’s interest through other people but I wasn’t really sure whether it was just rumours.

“Once I knew that they were serious about me I was absolutely overwhelmed as they are a massive club with a great fan base and are really going places.”

The England C international added: “Neil Young didn’t have to sell the club to me. I had offers and enquiries from other clubs but as soon as I came to Chester to have a look around, I knew that I had to join them.”

Altrincham-based Brownhill, who combines his football career with his day job as a plasterer, joined Young’s Evo-Stik First Division North champions on a two-year deal. He has stepped down a level in leaving Droylsden, but feels Chester are well-equipped to make a rapid rise back up the non-league ladder.

“Hopefully we will get back-to-back promotions this year and next year and get to the Blue Square Premier,” said the former Witton Albion, Bangor City and GAP Connah’s Quay defender.

“My aim is to help this club get promoted and I know that the quality of players that the manager is bringing in will help us achieve that. I want to be part of something successful here.”