MARK Wright believes new signing Graham Allen will add some much-needed experience and versatility to his Chester City squad next season.

The former Everton, Tranmere Rovers and Rushden centre-back yesterday penned a one-year deal with City, becoming manager Wright's fourth capture of the summer.

Allen's two-year spell with Rushden was blighted by injuries and, having joined City on a free transfer, the 29-year-old will be looking to re-ignite his career.

Wright said: 'Graham's a player I've been very, very keen on in the past. He's got a good pedigree, he's got lots of experience, he's a good leader and a good football player.

'We know he's had a bad hip and we have to be mindful of that but we'll look after him and make sure he plays games.'

The Blues boss added: 'He's got a hell of a lot of experience and that's exactly what this club needs. When you can't sign too many players, it's important to get experience out there and he's certainly got an abundance of it.

'Graham can play a holding role in midfield, right-back, centre-half or sweeper.

'He's a man for all seasons and those sort of players can be very valuable to you when you haven't got a big squad.'

Bolton-born Allen began his career with Everton, making just six senior appearances before joining Tranmere as part of the deal that took Rovers keeper Steve Simonsen in the opposite direction.

He played more than 200 games during a six-year spell with the Prenton Park club but was restricted to just 34 games for Rushden.

Jake Edwards, meanwhile, hopes he has not played his last game for the Blues.

The striker made 10 appearances while on loan from Exeter City at the end of last season, his partnership with fellow loanee Derek Asamoah proving the catalyst for Chester's climb away from the relegation zone.

Edwards says he would be happy to pen a permanent deal with City when he becomes a free agent this summer - providing he is still wanted.

The 30-year-old said: 'I haven't agreed terms with anybody but I'm waiting to hear back from Mark Wright.

'I would like to come back to Chester but it's not up to me. I'll have to see what Mark Wright wants to do.'

Wright will speak to Edwards about his future but one player who is unlikely to return to Chester is free agent Asamoah.

The 25-year-old's red-hot scoring form for Chester towards the end of the season - and his subsequent call-up for one of Ghana's World Cup warm-up matches - looks like being enough to earn him a contract at a club playing in a higher league.

The Blues have been linked with midfielders Richie Partridge and Tony Grant in recent weeks but the duo's wage demands mean Chester are unlikely to secure their services.