A national radio DJ who helped cast a spotlight on Chester FC 's rise from the ashes is resigning from his job at talkSPORT Radio due to the station's purchase by the owners of The Sun newspaper.

Colin Murray announced his resignation from the station, where he was one of their stars, due to its purchase by Rupert Murdoch-owned News Corp, the owners of The Sun.

Liverpool FC fan Murray, who has also declared himself a Chester FC fan, has made a stand against the new ownership due to the low standing in which the News Corp organisation and The Sun newspaper is held in Merseyside following their wholly inaccurate and derogatory reporting of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

In a statement, Northern Irishman Murray said: "I have resigned from my morning show on talkSPORT due to a change of ownership, with the Wireless Group being bought by News Corp.

"While there are parts of News Corp that aren't a problem, it is the inevitable future working relationship between talkSPORT and The Sun that has made my position unsustainable.

Colin Murray salutes the Chester fans
Colin Murray salutes the Chester fans

"Commercially, I delivered all-time record ratings and, creatively, I was left alone to mould a show of which I was intensely proud.

"I had been offered a new contract until 2019.

"I shall not be commenting further. #JFT96."

Murray, whose last show will be on September 2, was a member of BBC Radio 5 Live when he became involved with the Blues after interviewing Jeff Banks, then City Fans United media officer, about the club's plight and revival.

Former Everton player Pat Nevin, Radio and TV presenter Colin Murray and former Arsenal player Perry Groves in Chester's colours
Former Everton player Pat Nevin, Radio and TV presenter Colin Murray and former Arsenal player Perry Groves in Chester's colours

Murray handed over £2,000 to the club to have his regular show guests Pat Nevin and Perry Groves named as unused substitutes in Chester's squad for the duration of the club's first season as a phoenix club.

Murray, who claimed Chester as his second team following their rebirth in 2010, has since been a regular fixture at the club's end-of-season awards ceremonies, acting as compere.