Welcome to Chester FC, Festus Arthur!

Chester FC are delighted to announce the signing of 25-year-old defender Festus Arthur, subject to approval.

The ex-Southport man puts pen-to-paper on a deal that will run until the end of the season, as he looks to bolster Calum McIntyre’s options in defensive areas.

Arthur carries EFL and National League experience to the Deva Stadium, with previous stints at Stockport County, Barrow and FC Halifax Town.

Born in Hamburg, Festus started his professional career at Edgeley Park before a switch to Hull City in the summer of 2020.

Two years later, the defender made the move to the Shay in West Yorkshire where he became a major cog in a back line that reached the top half of the National League in 22/23.

Two loan spells at Southport followed, before he signed for the Sandgrounders for the third time earlier this month on a non-contract basis, after a brief spell with NPL Premier Division outfit Hyde United at the start of 25/26.

Festus will be available for selection for our next league fixture against Merthyr Town at the start of October, but is cup tied for this weekend’s clash with Curzon Ashton, having already featured in the competition this season for Hyde in the First Qualifying Round against Prescot Cables.

After his move was sealed, Festus said: “The main factor for coming here is the size of the club. It is the biggest club in the league, who would say no to this kind of opportunity.

“I’m an aggressive defender. I like to command the box and communicate with the players in front of me.

“At the end of the day we are all trying to achieve the same goal. Keeping clean sheets, winning games – That’s what it’s all about.”

Blues boss Calum McIntyre was also pleased after the move was confirmed: “We are really pleased to be able to reinforce our defensive options by signing someone like Festus.

“He is a dominant central defender who has proven himself at this level and at the level above. He is at a good age but equally has some significant experience to add to the group.

“I talked a lot during the summer that the quick turn around, amongst other factors, would see us look to add to and improve the group as the season goes on. Pat Jones and now Festus are prime examples of us doing that.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Welcome to CH1, Festus!