TRIPLE title-winning Blues skipper George Horan has joined Gap Connah’s Quay Nomads.

The 32-year-old centre half has returned to the Deeside Stadium having left in 2005 to join Rhyl where he played until 2010 before moving on to Chester FC.

Horan, who made 159 appearances for the Blues and helped guide the reformed club to three consecutive title championship victories, is no stranger to the Welsh Premier League.

He played more than 140 games for The Nomads in his first spell with the club which spanned five years starting in 2000.

Following his departure to Rhyl in 2005, Horan was named in the Welsh Premier League team of the season for four consecutive seasons from 2006 to 2009.

The no nonsense defender played a key role for Chester in the club’s first three years as a reformed club.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Chester and I was very proud of being a member of the squad that enjoyed so much success. It was brilliant,” Horan said.

“Last season was very disappointing, but I don’t think we deserved to finish any higher in the league table because we had too many poor performances and poor results.

“I agreed in principle to stay at Chester after speaking to Steve Burr, but I still needed to speak to my employer because they provide my main income.

“I then spoke to Jon McCarthy who asked whether I was going to re-sign, but I still hadn’t spoken to my employer about getting time off for travelling and for training sessions.

“I faced a big decision, but in the end I decided it was just time for a change and to move on.”

Horan signed for the Blues in July 2010 from Droylsden and spearheaded Chester to consecutive title victories in the Evostik Division One North, Northern Premier League, and Conference North.

Chester-born Horan netted 20 goals in 159 appearances for the club, admitted it was time for a change after struggling last season with an ankle injury.

He added: “I enjoyed so many memorable moments during my time at Chester, but the last title win in the Conference North was the best in my opinion.

“Most people thought we would do well to challenge for a play off place, but we won the title convincingly and I was really honoured to captain that team.

“I can’t really single out any games or goals of real note as highlights, but it was great to be able to play alongside all the lads who worked so hard to earn Chester success.

“Everybody at Chester during the last four years has worked so hard to put the club in a good place for the future. I’m proud and flattered as a local lad that people have held me in such high esteem during my time at Chester.”

Horan joins The Nomads on a two year contract and Director of Football Mark McGregor admitted he is very pleased with the signing: “I am delighted to have George on board – he will add a great leadership quality to our defence.

“Everybody knows his qualities and he has been Chester’s rock for the last four years and he will prove a huge hit here as well.”

Meanwhile, Chester and Wrexham’s Conference Premier league fixtures will be out from 3pm this Friday.

The Conference confirmed that some fixtures may change due to BT Sport selecting their first five live matches as part of up to 30 games being screened during 2014/15.