JAMIE Rainford’s short but controversial Chester FC career appeared to be over last night after FC Halifax Town agreed a fee for his signature.

The big summer signing rejected a move to The Shay last month after he was brought back into the Blues fold following a Facebook bust-up with fans.

But after Blue Square North high flyers Halifax made a fresh bid, Rainford and Chester are parting ways after just eight months.

Blues boss Neil Young said: “Jamie probably needs four or five games to give him every opportunity and get him at his best but I don’t really have that opportunity at this stage of the season as every game is a cup final, which is a bit unfair on the lad himself.

“Jamie’s commitment and attitude since he has been here has been first class but when he’s not playing – and he’ll admit this himself – his body language is not the best because of his disappointment.

“That’s not a fault but Jamie lives for his football.

“After Halifax came in for him I spoke with Jamie and had a good chat with him and went through everything.

“What we don’t want to do is hold the lad back in his career but the problem is I can’t promise he’ll be playing every week.

“So we took the view that this is the best for him and the football club.”

Halifax will pay Chester an undisclosed five-figure fee for Rainford with an additional sell-on clause.

The 23-year-old striker joined the Blues for a similar amount – which remains a club record – from Marine last May.

Rainford has found the net just three times in his eight starts and 12 substitute appearances at the Exacta Stadium.

His best form of this season came during a two-month loan spell at Halifax before Christmas – a spell set up by Young after Rainford had clashed with Chester supporters on Facebook in November.

Young said: “Jamie’s a top lad and no-one is more disappointed than me that it has not worked out like we had intended.

“But that happens in football and I am absolutely positive that Jamie will go on and be a success in his career as he has the hunger and commitment to want to succeed.”

Young has not ruled out signing a replacement for Rainford but his number one transfer target remains an experienced defender.