Welcome to Chester FC, Dion Kelly-Evans!
Chester FC are delighted to announce the signing of Dion Kelly-Evans following his release from National League outfit Woking.
The 28-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a one-year-deal at the Deva Stadium and brings a wealth of experience to Calum McIntyre’s squad.
The exciting full back becomes the Blues’ fifth new signing of the summer and the third in defensive areas, alongside Tom Leak and James Jones.
Kelly-Evans featured 29 times in the National League for the Cardinals last term and played a major role in the club’s fantastic end to the campaign, which saw an impressive nine-match unbeaten streak that helped to secure a 15th-placed finish.
A versatile defender who primarily features as a right-back, Dion has also stepped into leadership roles in the past, captaining Woking on five occasions last season.
He has picked up over 100 appearances in the fifth tier, with the majority coming in the colours of Notts County, whom he turned out for three years between 2019-2022.
Kelly-Evans started out in the Coventry City youth setup alongside his twin brother Devon and made 40 first-team appearances in Sky Blue before a successful move to Kettering Town, where Dion earned the Player of the Season award as the Poppies picked up the Southern League Premier Central title in 2019.
After his move to CH1 was secured, Dion said: “I can bring consistency, defending, tackling, crossing, just a bit of everything really.
“I think the club have kept the core group together and added five or six, everyone is going to be fighting for the same outcome.
“Obviously it’s going to be difficult as there is a lot of good teams and big budgets in the league, but if we can just find some consistency, hopefully we won’t be too far away.”
Blues boss Calum McIntyre was thrilled after Kelly-Evans put pen-to-paper: “Dion comes to us at a really good age but with real experience behind him,” he said.
“He is an established National League player and has qualified for three Play-Off campaigns in the Division above.
“It is an area of the pitch that we wanted to add to and he is a dynamic, athletic and robust full back.
“We are pleased to have got this done and I feel as if he will be an important acquisition for us.
“He’s a good character and a winner which has been really important for us this summer, and becomes another player who joins us on the back of plying his trade further up the pyramid.”
Welcome to the Deva, Dion!