CHESTER CITY striker Daryl Clare is set to complete his transfer to Boston United today after the clubs agreed an undisclosed five-figure fee last night.
Clare, who is out of contract at the end of the season, joined City from Boston in the autumn of 2002, and was also the target of interest from Nationwide Conference club Carlisle United.
However, the player's desire to return to his Lincolnshire home eventually meant that Chester had no option other than to allow him to rejoin his previous employers.
City chairman Stephen Vaughan said last night: "We will be sorry to see Daryl leave us, but the player expressed a desire to join Boston, and his contractual situation meant that his wishes were met.
"We accepted an offer from Boston that was over 200 per cent less than the one offered by Carlisle, but it was a decision in the best interests of Daryl's family, and a way of us repaying the player for the goals he scored in our Conference championship season."
Clare scored 18 goals in his first season with Chester and his 30 goals in City's title-winning Nationwide Conference campaign, were a major factor in the club regaining their Football League status after a four-year absence.
Manager Ian Rush is now expected to bring in at least two players soon, one a striker, with a permanent signing and a loan move currently under negotiation.
In another development last night, City's director of football Ray Mathias left the club.
The former Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic manager took charge of City on the eve of the new season, after Mark Wright and his assistant David Moss walked out of the club.
Vaughan said: "This was a management decision, but I would like to thank Ray for all his efforts during his time with us.
"I was impressed with his professionalism, and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending him to any club in future."
Tickets for City's LDV Vans Trophy game against Wrexham on November 30 go on sale today to season ticket holders from 10am-7pm, and on general sale tomorrow, 10am-3pm.
