CHESTER have signed central defender Ryan Astles after his impressive showings during Northwich Victoria's FA Cup run.
The 21-year-old was previously on the Blues' books as a youngster before going on to sign for Wigan Athletic and making his name in Wales with Rhyl.
Last term he was nominated for the Welsh Premier young player of the season after sweeping the board at Rhyl's end of season awards.
The imposing centre-half was a big part of Northwich's run to the FA Cup second round, where they cruelly lost late on to Northampton Town.
The Vics have only conceded ten goals in their 20 Evo-Stik NPL Division One North games this season and Astles caught the eye of Chester boss Steve Burr, who is well known for signing players from lower divisions and giving them opportunities to shine.
Burr said: “We watched him during Northwich's FA Cup run and we were very impressed. He's young and hungry to make the step up, and hopefully he can do just that. I'm very pleased to get him in, he knows the step up is big but he is capable.”
Astles is the second Vics Cup hero to leave the club after forward Jordan Williams joined National League side Barrow last week.
