Ian Sharps says that his decision to leave Chester FC left him with a 'lump in his throat'.

Former Blues assistant Sharps was yesterday unveiled as the new first team coach at League One side Walsall, replacing Dean Holden in the role after he was appointed assistant head coach at Bristol City last week.

But Sharps insisted that despite the offer of a full time role with Jon Whitney's side at the Banks's Stadium, the decision to leave Chester and to part ways with Blues boss Jon McCarthy was one that was made with a heavy heart.

"There was a lump in the throat if I'm honest but I'm an ambitious man and this was a great opportunity for me," said the 36-year-old, who lives in Shrewsbury.

"It wasn't a decision that was made because of money or anything like that, it is purely down to the fact that it was a good thing for my family life and for my career.

Jon Whitney and Ian Sharps outside the Banks's Stadium

"But I have loved my time at Chester and I will always be eternally grateful to Jon and the club for giving me the chance. I want to keep in touch with the people at the club as it means a lot to me.

"They are in great hands with Jon. He is a football man who really knows his stuff and they have a lot of good times ahead I and I look forward to seeing them succeed in the future. I was just a small cog in what was going on there at the moment and they will keep on progressing."

Saddlers boss Whitney made the move for Sharps after attending the 0-0 draw with Macclesfield Town earlier this month.

"I knew Jon Whitney already as I did some volunteering as a coach at Walsall while I was at Telford," said Sharps.

"Jon came to the Macclesfield game and said he was impressed with how I carried myself and the way I was with the players. It's always nice to have what you do recognised and the offer was one that I simply couldn't turn down.

"But, as I say, I loved my time at Chester and I wish the club and the fans every success in the future. I'll be rooting for them."