FANS' favourite Ben Davies has played his last game for the Blues.
That is the verdict of Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan, who confirmed the out-of-contract 24-year-old has rejected the chance to sign a new deal with the club.
Vaughan does not expect the situation to change anytime soon and that is why he feels City supporters must face up to the fact they will not be seeing the all-action midfielder in Chester colours next season.
Vaughan said: 'Ben has turned down the offer we made him. We felt it was a fair offer but he didn't accept it, and as far as I'm concerned he is leaving the club.
'I expect him to be on the payroll until his contract runs out, and then he'll be off. It's disappointing but there is little else we can do.'
The loss of Davies - who was unavailable for comment as the Chronicle went to press - will be a massive blow to the Blues, as he has been one of their most consistent performers in the four seasons he has spent with the club.
The former Kidderminster Harriers player has made 170 league and cup appearances for City, scoring 17 goals.
One crumb of comfort for Chester fans is that it is highly unlikely Davies will come up against the Blues next term - unlike captain Stewart Drummond and goalkeeper Chris MacKenzie who have signed for League Two rivals Shrewsbury.
Vaughan understands promoted Northampton are leading the chase for Davies's signature, although other League One outfits are also in the hunt.
Davies's departure will cause a major headache for City manager Mark Wright, who must also cope with the loss of linchpin Drummond.
Wright, who returns from holiday next week, will have to build a new midfield - something the former England international has began to do.
The Blues boss has recruited Jamie Hand, who he managed at former club Peterborough. The 22-year-old finished the campaign at Northampton, and began his career at Wat-ford.
Joining Hand at the club is 20-year-old left-sided player Laurence Wilson, who has been released by Everton.
Wright is also keen to add versatile defender Dean Holden to the ranks. The 26-year-old is Peterborough's captain, and so is another man boss Wright knows well.
Chairman Vaughan said: 'We have tabled a five-figure bid and now we'll have to wait for them to come back to us.
'Oldham had a £50,000 offer for him turned down last season. I will not disclose how much we have offered them, but we believe it to be good.'
If Holden signs up it will fill the void left by Mark Albrighton. The centre-half was an impressive loanee for the Blues last season, but this week joined Boston United.
