Chester FC expect to announce a ‘significant’ new signing at lunchtime today after agreeing terms with a proven Conference striker – while an experienced defender could also be on his way to the club.
The striker’s identity is being kept under wraps pending the completion of the necessary paperwork, but first-team coach Jon McCarthy believes fans will be delighted with the capture.
The defensive target is thought to be AFC Telford United centre-back Ian Sharps and his arrival would cap a productive spell for the Blues, who brought in midfielder Tom Shaw on Tuesday .
McCarthy said: “Everything has been agreed with the striker, the lad met the gaffer for a chat and he’s got a great character and fits in with what the club is trying to do. It’s a significant signing in terms of where the club is at and us making that next step up.
“He comes with a very good record and it’s as much of a guarantee as we can give ourselves of getting someone in to score 15 or 20 goals for us.”
Telford released a statement yesterday stating that Sharps, 34, had decided to leave New Bucks Head and move to Chester.
The Chronicle understands that while there have been discussions, the deal has not yet been completed – and the Blues prefer not to comment on speculation.
Steve Burr made 28-year-old Shaw, who has spent the past two seasons with Alfreton Town, his first signing of the summer earlier this week.
His arrival offsets the loss of Kingsley James, who is rumoured to be signing for FC Halifax Town having turned down a new deal .
McCarthy said: “We’re delighted to get Tom because we feel he’s at a really good age, he brings experience and he plays with a lot of energy.
“He’s competitive and he’ll give us something we didn’t have last season so he fits the mould of what we wanted.
“It’s disappointing to lose Kingsley but these situations happen in football. He came in last summer and did very well for us. From my point of view, he was great in training and we wanted to work with him again next season.
“I hold him in high regard so we’ll respect his decision and wish him well. We’ve taken up the option on him and we’ll be entitled to compensation.”
Chester also missed out on Matty Hughes, who joined AFC Fylde on a two-year deal despite offers from the Blues and League Two clubs. And a current squad member remains the subject of a bid from a Football League club, which has been accepted.
McCarthy said: “We want to make four or five signings that will help us push on and win those extra five or six games we need to get closer to the play-offs and we feel like we’re making progress.”
