FORMER central defender Joe Hinnigan will return to Chester City to fill the position of assistant manager/ physiotherapist, following a turbulent week that has seen a trio of the club's backroom staff sacked.

The 51-year-old resigned from his physio's position with fellow Coca Cola League Two club Bury, and will return to Chester, where he has served previously as a player and physio.

Hinnigan, who also played for Gillingham, Sunderland and Wrexham, will take up his duties at the Deva Stadium immediately, following the sacking of Clive Goodyer and John Gannon on Monday.

City chairman Stephen Vaughan, said: "Joe has an excellent CV, knows this level of football inside out, and is an experienced physio."

Hinnigan will assist manager Keith Curle in the build-up to Saturday's home game against Stockport County, after slumping alarmingly with just one win in their last 10 outings.

Chester have made an offer to ex-Rochdale striker Paul Tait, who impressed in a reserve game on Monday.