Chester complete loan signing of Grimsby defender Hall-Johnson

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
By Matt Bishop
Chester have completed the signing of Reece Hall-Johnson on loan from League Two Grimsby until January.
The 22-year-old full-back joins Marcus Bignot's side just three days after the Mariners signed him on a one-year contract, following his release from Braintree at the end of last season.
Having began his career at Norwich, where he won the FA Youth Cup in 2013, Hall-Johnson enjoyed short spells at Maidstone United and Bishop's Stortford in 2016 before ending last season with Braintree Town.
He then impressed on trial at Grimsby, earning a one-year deal, and is now raring to go at Chester, telling the club's website: “I'm really eager to get going.
“The gaffer here had a really good interest in me, so I'm really happy to come and play some games and hopefully get some results.”
Despite only joining Braintree in October 2016, Hall-Johnson scored an impressive five goals from right-back, and recorded five assists, so it was no surprise to see an EFL club such as Grimsby interested in his services.
However, having only signed a permanent deal at Blundell Park on Monday, it has been a hectic week for the young defender, and he said: “It's been crazy! There's been a lot of driving and moving around but I'm really happy to be here.
“Personally, I want to get some games in and do well, and for the team, I want to help us move up the table to get them where they should be – Chester is a good club and a big club.
“I played in this league last year. I know the division and I know what we need to do well, and hopefully I can bring that and help the team.”