Forgotten Man Utd ace who made debut replacing Gary Neville wakes up unemployed… before joining his club hours later
A FORMER Manchester United player went from free agent to a new club in a matter of moments.
James Chester – who came through United’s academy – woke up temporarily without a team after leaving League Two Barrow.
The announcement was made at 12.45pm – but just 15 minutes later he had a new club.
His unemployment did not last long as League Two Salford confirmed his move.
They posted: “Salford City announces the signing of ex-Wales centre-back James Chester on a one-year deal!”
Chester made his United debut in 2009 as a sub when he replaced Gary Neville against Derby in the League Cup.
He spent two more years at Old Trafford before leaving in 2011 to join Hull.
Chester, 35, had other spells with West Brom, Aston Villa, Stoke and Derby before dropping down to League Two with Barrow and now Salford – owned by United legends Neville, brother Phil, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes
The centre-back made 35 Wales appearances, including in their Euro 2016 semi-final loss to eventual winners Portugal.
Chester told his new club: “I look back on the games that I have played in, and I think that if you had told me before I started my career, I would never had believed you and I would have snapped your hands off there and then!
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“There is a lot to choose from, but I think the Euros on the whole for Wales was a huge highlight, to be involved in that was very very special.
“But I think to have played for, and to represent the clubs that I have done, and to have had the career that I have, I find myself very fortunate and very proud it is continuing.
“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.”