Charlie Caton completes move to Accrington Stanley

Chester FC can confirm that Charlie Caton has today completed a permanent move to Accrington Stanley after the EFL club triggered a release clause in his contract.

The 22-year-old moves to the Wham Stadium for an undisclosed fee, with the deal also including a percentage of any future sale.

Charlie has been in superb form for the Blues this season, scoring 14 times in 25 matches in the National League North, and is the division’s joint top scorer.

“We continue to show ourselves as a real place for developing young talent.”

The Welshman first joined Chester on loan in November 2022 from Shrewsbury Town, signing a two-year permanent deal the following summer after impressing throughout his temporary spell.

Charlie has made a total of 93 appearances for the Seals, scoring on 29 occasions.

Manager Calum McIntyre said: “Charlie has been fantastic for us this season and we are obviously sad to see such a talented player and popular member of our group depart us.

“That said, when we signed Charlie on a permanent deal, we all knew his ambition was to return to the EFL and aspects of his contract ensured that was able to happen. We have received a really healthy fee for him that reflects his value and his future value and as much as we are sad to lose a player, it is part and parcel for a club at our level.

“We continue to show ourselves as a real place for developing young talent. This is the third transfer fee we have received for a player under the age of 23 in the last 12 months.”

Calum continued: “I think a lot of Charlie.

“He came to us as a young loan player from Shrewsbury who was a bit bruised and low on confidence from a spell out of the squad there. He leaves us with our best wishes and as a ready-made EFL player with so much potential to kick on. I wish him all the best – he will always have friends here and will always be welcome at Our Club.

“Our focus now turns to the rest of the season,” the Blues boss continued.

“We have acted really quickly and decisively in securing Connor Woods which now looks an even better piece of business, especially given the finances involved. We have a strong forward unit and have the ability and desire to add at least two more midfield players to the group.

“We are excited by the remainder of the season and despite losing someone like Charlie we won’t be blown off course. Trust us.”

From everyone at Chester Football Club, thank you Charlie for all of your time and efforts and we wish you the very best of luck in the EFL.