CHESTER CITY striker Michael Twiss has agreed to join Nationwide Conference club Morecambe after rejecting an offer from the newly-promoted Football League outfit.

The 26-year-old former Manchester United and Port Vale player was inconsistent in City's Conference championship campaign that finished last weekend, and consequently he only started 10 matches.

"We offered Michael a generous deal to renew his contract, but he has decided that his future still lies in the Conference. He has unfortunately shown a lack of ambition and hunger, but there is no doubt that if he harnesses all his ability, then he could play in the first division. His future is in his own hands," claimed City manager Mark Wright.

Morecambe are also expected to sign two other Chester old boys in the next few days, with midfielder Jimmy Kelly and defender Carl Ruffer both poised to sign for the mid-table Fylde Coast club.

Meanwhile, Chester will unveil at least two new signings in the next week. "We have been extremely busy in the past few days, and we will be in a position to announce two quality acquisitions in the next few days or so," said Wright.

In another development, midfielder Shaun Carey and defender Chris Lane will be allowed to leave the club. Neither have been offered new deals.

"It was a difficult decision, as both players made contributions to our championship success. We will try to assist both the lads in their quest to find new clubs.

"This is a hard time for players, and I feel for them. I've got to put a squad together that will be good enough for Division Three, and at times that entails making difficult decisions," said the City manager.

Tonight sees the semi-final first legs of the Nationwide Conference play-offs, the winners of which will join Chester in the League next season. Aldershot Town entertain Conference runners-up Hereford Utd at the Recreation Ground while Barnet host Shrewsbury Town at Underhill.