NEIL Young has assured Chester FC supporters new striker Adam Proudlock is in ‘great shape’ and ready to prove his class.

The 31-year-old spent more time on the sidelines than he did on the field for AFC Telford United last season after breaking his ankle.

But Bucks boss Andy Sinton was still keen to keep hold of the striker given his pedigree.

Proudlock started his career at Wolves and counts Tranmere Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport County and Grimsby Town among his former clubs.

His arrival at the Exacta Stadium, however, has been met with a lukewarm reception by some Blues fans.

But Young has no doubts over Proudlock’s fitness or ability.

The Chester manager, whose assistant Gary Jones was a team-mate of Proudlock’s at Tranmere, said: “Adam’s record speaks for itself.

“Gary Jones knows him well and he’s in great shape.

“The lad broke his ankle but he was down every day at Lilleshall to get himself fit – and that says a lot about his character and attitude.  He got himself back fit and was playing toward the end of last season.

“You’ve got to understand that lads like Adam have played in the Football League and in the Conference.

“It’s a very, very difficult standard and they are the type of lads we want to bring to Chester.”

While the majority of Young’s summer captures have come from clubs playing in the Blue Square Bet Premier, he did  drop back down to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League to sign Lancaster City goalkeeper Martin Fearon.

Fearon will provide back-up to John Danby and Young believes the 23-year-old will benefit from the experience.

Young said: “John is number one and Martin knows that but he is keen to come and ply his trade for Chester and learn from John and our goalkeeping coach Lee Worrall.”

Young has made seven signings since leading the Blues to the their second straight championship success.

He said: “When I went away at the end of last season I knew we had to improve the squad for an assault on what will be a very difficult league – and all of the players we’ve brought in so far have definitely done that.”

The current Chester squad is: John Danby, Martin Fearon; Wes Baynes, Dom Collins, George Horan, Michael Taylor, Paul Linwood, Matty McGinn; Robbie Booth, Dave Hankin, Antoni Sarcevic, Michael Powell, Ashley Williams, Levi Mackin, Iain Howard, Sean Clancy; Marc Williams, Nathan Jarman, Adam Proudlock.

Chester’s friendly at home to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, August 11 has been cancelled.

The Blues will instead host Bangor City on the same day.

The Junior Blues hold their AGM on Friday, June 29 from 7-8pm in The Blues Bar at the Exacta Stadium. Members – both existing and new – and their parents are welcome.

There will be an opportunity for Junior Blues to have their picture taken with the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division trophy.

To confirm attendance email juniorblues@cityfansunited.com or call 01244 371 376.