EXPERIENCED defender Nick Fenton will not become Chester FC’s 13th summer signing.
As revealed in today’s Chronicle Neil Young was hoping to make the former Notts County, Grimsby Town and Rotherham United centre-back his latest addition.
But late last night Fenton informed the Blues boss he would not be accepting his offer.
The 33-year-old, who started his career at Manchester City and has made more than 500 Football League appearances, is a free agent after being released by Morecambe.
Fenton’s decision to turn down Chester represents a rare miss in a summer of big success in the transfer market for the ambitious Young.
The treble title-winning manager will now turn to the loan market to bolster his defence.
But it remains to be seen whether a new recruit will be in place before Saturday’s visit of Johnstone’s Paint Trophy winners Crewe Alexandra to the Exacta Stadium (3pm).
Crewe boss Steve Davis, who will bring a full-strength squad for the friendly, said: “Chester will be a good game. They have come through a couple of leagues to come back to the Conference and they’ve done it in style.
“It is an attractive fixture for us and it is a decent set-up there so we are looking forward to it.”
Young, whose new-look side went down 1-0 at home to Mansfield Town on Tuesday, said: “We’re going to have to get our shape early and keep the ball.
“If you don’t do that against teams like Crewe they will pick you off.
“It’s well known they are a good side to watch and I’m sure the supporters will be treated to a feast of football.
“We look at various styles. Mansfield played a particular one on Tuesday and Crewe will give another one on Saturday. It’s good for the education of the group.”
A City Fans United meeting takes place tonight in The Blues Bar at the Exacta Stadium (7.30pm start).
