BREAKING | Blues complete signing of John Johnston for an undisclosed fee

Chester Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of winger John Johnston from Altrincham for an undisclosed fee.

The Blues triggered a release clause in the 25-year-olds contract earlier this week, allowing discussions to begin between the player and the club.

Johnston has penned an initial 18-month deal, with an option to extend for a further year in the club’s favour at the 1885 Arena.

This transfer is subject to FA and National League ratification.

This comes after the Blues had a bid accepted by their fellow National League North rivals earlier this week.

Johnston, known for his electric pace and skill in wide areas, worked with Joint Bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley at Salford City during the 2016/17 season before a move to Moss Lane.

The two-and-a-half years that followed for ‘JJ’ saw him score 20 goals in his first season with the club as they won the Evo-Stik Premier Division – and he’s gone on to make 129 appearances for the Robins, scoring 39 times.

An exciting, pacey winger with an eye for goal, Johnston started his career at Kidsgrove Athletic before moving to Leek Town – his performances then caught the eye of Crewe Alexandra who signed him back in January 2014.

Joint Boss Anthony Johnson said: “This is a signing of intent from our football club.

“We’ve signed a rival’s best player at the peak of his career at the age of 25 with a goal ratio of one in three.

“Having played for Bern and I previously at Salford City we know exactly what qualities John possesses, whether it be an eye for a goal or skipping past an opponent to put a chance on a plate for his teammate.

“His enthusiasm to sign for Chester typifies his ambitions in the game and we believe he’ll play a huge part in helping us meet them.”

Welcome to Chester FC, John!

Club legend Craig Mahon is also set to sign for Altrincham FC, pending FA and National League approval. We will have more on this in due course.