A MAN arrested on suspicion of stealing thousands of pounds from Chester FC will not face any charges, police have confirmed.

Club bosses alerted Cheshire Police after discovering a significant sum of money was missing from the club’s accounts earlier this year.

Officers arrested a 27-year-old man, then living in the Hoole area, in January on suspicion of stealing from the community-owned football club.

He was released on police bail while an investigation into the alleged theft was made but has now been told that he will not face prosecution.

Cheshire Police spokeswoman Rachel Hayes said: “No charges have been brought following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.”

Supporters were told about the missing money at a meeting of the City Fans United (CFU) supporters trust at the Exacta Stadium on January 30.

Blues chairman Tony Durkin and vice-chairman Steve Ashton told CFU members the discovery had been made after the club’s new board was elected at the end of November.

Mr Durkin said at the time: “To say the last 60 days have been challenging would be an understatement.”

He confirmed the board had uncovered “financial irregularities” and “abnormalities” which were being investigated.

Mr Durkin said the club had introduced tighter financial arrangements and appointed Laurence Kirby as the new financial controller.