I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star
FORMER Premier League ace James Chester revealed he tried to sign for Wrexham three times but suggested he got knocked back because of his SURNAME.
Chester, 35, appears to have been lured by the Red Dragons’ rise under Hollywood celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in the last four years.
The centre-back, who currently plays for Salford in League Two, seems keen to add his Premier League and international experience to the League One outfit.
The-ex Wales international played for Hull, West Brom and Aston Villa in the English top flight and helped his nation make the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
However, he suggested a move to Wrexham may never happen due to having the same surname as the club’s most hated rivals CHESTER FC.
The Welshman got that impression when he visited the Racecourse with former club Barrow last season as he claims he received immense stick from the home fans.
Chester told BBC’s Feast of Football podcast: “The last time I was here last season, I expected that with the Welsh connection I might get a reasonable reception.
“But I think because of the name on the back of my shirt, I got more abuse than I did any niceties.
“I got a bit of stick along the lines of my name and being on the pitch in Wrexham.”
When asked if he ever wanted to sign for the Red Dragons, Chester added: “I’ve tried for the last three seasons.”
The centre-half started out at Manchester United‘s academy but only made one senior appearance in 2009.
United loaned him out to the likes of Peterborough, Plymouth and Carlisle.
After playing for Hull, West Brom and Villa he had a brief stint with Stoke and Derby.
He then moved down the divisions, first signing for Barrow and then Salford.