Former Aston Villa, Hull City and West Brom star joins David Beckham and Ryan Giggs owned club

Former Aston Villa defender James Chester has joined Class of 92 owned Salford City.

The 35-year-old opted against remaining at Barrow despite receiving a contract offer and has joined their League Two rivals Salford, who are managed by former Leeds United assistant coach Karl Robinson.

Salford is the fourth club that Chester has joined since departing Villa Park permanently in 2020. This is Chester's second successive season in English football's third tier, having spent a majority of his career in the Premier League and the Championship.

Speaking to Salford's official club website, Chester said: "“I still have a desire to play and win, so hopefully the supporters will see that from me.

“I was out in Dublin with the squad last week and it is a really good group to be around, and there are a lot of young players here too, so hopefully I can help them and bring them along as well.

“I think the week as a whole was brilliant, it was a tough week but I think one which is important to have at this stage of the season to get yourself ready for the opening day.

“I still have the desire to carry it on and take it further, and all the Salford fans will see that.”

Chester, capped 35 times for the Welsh national team, and a member of the squad that reached the semi-finals of EURO 2016 made 126 appearances in Claret & Blue after signing from West Brom in a deal worth more than £8m. He was at Villa for three seasons, and helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2019.

Stoke City signed him on loan and that was later made into a permanent deal, with Chester making 71 appearances for the Potters. He had one year at Derby County but was limited to just seven appearances with the Rams, but was able to get himself playing regular football again, by appearing 41 times for the Bluebirds last term.