Former Crewe Alexandra football coach Barry Bennell was today charged with eight child sex offences.

The 62-year-old was remanded in custody after appearing at South Cheshire Magistrates Court this morning via video-link.

He will appear at Chester Crown Court on January 11.

Bennell spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, which was given as no fixed abode.

He is charged with five counts of indecent assault on a boy, two counts of inciting a boy to commit an act of gross indecency and one count of assault with intent to commit a serious sexual offence.

Bennell was charged on November 29 after the Crown Prosecution Service received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between 1981 and 1985.

Bennell worked as a youth coach with Crewe Alex and a number of other clubs across the north west of England.