CHESTER CITY have fined their young striker Cortez Belle after he was dismissed for the second time this season at Northampton Town on Friday.

Belle, who received a straight red card for his first half-challenge on a Northampton defender, was also sent off earlier this season in a game at Scunthorpe United.

City have been informed that Belle has been handed a four-match ban, which commences immediately. The player will miss the league games against Oxford United and Bristol Rovers, the LDV Vans Trophy quarter-final tie against neighbours Wrexham and the FA Cup second round tie at Halifax.

Belle's absence has stretched City manager Ian Rush's strike options to the limit, and he is expected to bring in at least one on-loan striker prior to the weekend visit of Oxford.

Meanwhile, Chester last night appointed the former Bury player David Bell as their technical co-ordinator.

Bell, who holds a UEFA 'A' coaching badge, is a senior coaching instructor with both the English and Welsh Football Associations and has also held coaching appointments at Bristol Rovers and Cardiff City.

City's assistant manager Mark Aizlewood enthused: "This is a vital role for the long-term future of Chester City Football Club."

Chester's reserve side are in action tomorrow afternoon. They entertain Bury in a Pontin's League game, kick-off 2pm.