The former Accrington midfielders became Blues boss Simon Davies' second and third signings on the back of Anthony Barry's deal with City last week.

Mannix said: "I've had a long meeting with the manager and everything he's said is very positive. They're looking to get in the play-offs this year, so I'm really looking forward to it.

"I was at Accrington for the last two months of last season and I'm now really looking forward to the start of the new season.

"Some of the players at Chester are familiar to me from my time at Liverpool Academy. The likes of Richie Partridge and James and Stephen Vaughan.

"It seems that there are a number of scousers in the team and I hope we can all club together and help give everyone at Chester what they want from the season.

"I know that Chester's expectation is to reach the play-offs having spoken to the manager, and with the players in the squad and the way that we're going to be playing next season I think we should reach the play-offs."

Mannix's career has been hampered by knee injuries. A product of Liverpool's Academy, the 22-year-old has had two spells with Accrington either side of a brief stint with Norwegian club Ham-Kam.

He added: "I knew about Chester's manager, Simon Davies, before I arrived. I know he used to play for Manchester United as a midfielder and that he played for a few clubs in Wales.

"I'm looking to further my footballing career by playing for Chester and I'm looking forward to the style of football we're going to play.

"The Liverpool system I came from under the supervision of Steve Heighway taught me how to pass and tackle, and they are my strengths."

Mannix also revealed that Accrington boss John Coleman had been keen to retain the services of Harris and Mannix.

He added: "I think John wanted to keep Jay and me but I think his budget was the big problem, not because of our wages, but maybe because he has a lot of players on good money and the budget then comes into play.

"I think John Coleman did need to get rid of a few players and along with Jay and me there was maybe another 10 that got released from Accrington.

"I spoke to John and he said that he would have loved to have kept me and Jay, but as soon as Chester showed an interest in us we were looking to move."

Harris, 21, is a tough-tackling midfielder. He started his career at Everton but joined Accrington in 2006 and made 41 appearances for John Coleman's men last season.

Harris said: "I'm looking forward to the new challenge, I can tackle and play a bit as well and can't wait to get going.

"Playing at Accrington for the last two years provided me with a challenge, but the only ambition there was to stay up, whereas at Chester I'm looking at bigger things, maybe the play-offs, maybe even promotion, so I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"I like to think of myself as a ball-winner, but I can also play a bit.

"I'd like to score a few goals because my game has lacked that in the last couple of years. Maybe I can score a few at Chester and keep my position.

"It always helps to know a few lads when you join a new club and I know Laurence Wilson and Anthony Barry from my time at Everton."

City boss Simon Davies is delighted he has managed to strengthen his midfield and provide competition for places and said: "If you look at the two players' background and the way they like to play, as well as their ages, I think we're starting to get a real young squad.

"Some people may or may not agree with us having a young squad, but I do. If we can get players in who are aged 20-25, who are fit, talented, are up for this division or higher, and can get around the park then I think we've got a chance next year.

"Jay Harris and David Mannix had talks with me when we were trying to sort out their contracts, but they weren't too bothered about money, they just want to play football. You don't often get that and it was nice to see."

Watch our exclusive video interview with new signing David Mannix and Chester City's manager Simon Davies, by clicking the green play button at the top of this page.


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