Ross Hannah says he could yet return to lead the line for Chester FC next season and believes that the future is bright under new manager Jon McCarthy.
Hannah was a revelation for the Blues last season, netting 26 goals in all competitions after joining in the summer from Grimsby Town, but is now out-of-contract at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium.
The 29-year-old has been offered a new deal by the Blues but has drawn interest from elsewhere and admits that the time taken to offer him fresh terms has lead to other avenues progressing.
But Hannah, who is set to become a father for the second time in the coming days, insists that no decision on his future has been made and that he may well be wearing the number nine shirt at Chester next season.
“I’ve been offered a new contract and it is a case now of going through everything and making the decision that is best for me and my family,” said Hannah, who has been linked with a move to National League side Lincoln City.
“Macca (McCarthy) has been in touch with me and said that he wants me to stay. I’ve certainly not ruled anything out and haven’t ruled out coming back to Chester.
READ: McCarthy hoping to keep bulk of Blues squad
“Chester has been good for me and I think I’ve been good for them. I’ve absolutely loved my time at the club and the fans and the lads have been great.”
Hannah did express some frustration at not having his future sorted out sooner having started dialogue with the club over a new deal late last year.
“We started talking in December but things never really materialised for one reason or another,” said the former Bradford City striker, who joins defender Ben Heneghan in being offered fresh terms at the club.
“You would think that most teams would want a 20-goal striker, so it’s been a bit frustrating that things have taken so long, but I do accept that things were delayed a bit because of the manager situation.
READ: Ian Sharps confirmed as assistant manager
“I’ve been offered a new deal now but because of the time taken things have progressed in other places a bit, but I’m not ruling out coming back to Chester. I have to make a decision based on what is best for my family, though. That’s the most important thing.”
Hannah was full of praise new boss McCarthy believing that the club have got the right man for the job.
“Macca has been superb since he took over, and so has Sharpy (assistant manager Ian Sharps,” he said.
“His (McCarthy's) enthuasiasm on the training pitch is infectious and he and Sharpy command so much respect and are brilliant to work for.
“It’s not just his enthusiasm, though, his coaching is second to none and as good as I’ve ever seen and he always engages you.
“I’m delighted he has been given the job as he deserves it after the job he did as caretaker. I think he’s the right man to take the club forward.”
