Steve Howson is expecting ‘fireworks’ on and off the pitch when the National League North season gets underway.

The 32-year-old joined Chester earlier this month on a one-year deal and has been a trusted lieutenant for joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley in their previous roles at Ramsbottom United and Salford City.

The strong defender, who says he will ‘give everything’ for the cause, joked that the Blues hierarchy ought to keep a seat available in the stands for the passionate management duo owing to rising tempers on matchday, but believes it’s an exciting time ahead for his new club.

“What can the fans expect from me? Well, they will get a man who will give everything for them, for the club, for the shirt,” said Howson.

“The fans are the main reason we are all here. We all want to make them happy and giving 100 per cent will just be the start.

“I’m a no-nonsense type of player. I’ll be very vocal on the pitch, you won’t be able to shut me up, a bit like the Chester fans hopefully.

“All the lads epitomise the two gaffers. Expect the boys to all be hard-working, working-class lads. We won’t stand for anyone who is ‘big time’. We just want honest, good people and hard-working footballers.

“I’m sure there will be a few fireworks on the sidelines too. Just make sure the club keep a spare in the stand for one of them every now and then!

“The gaffers kick every ball, they are so passionate, but they are winners and top managers. Their record speaks for itself. They will give it everything and they want players who they can trust, who they can trust in and get that back.”

Johnson and Morley were in touch with Howson having left Salford in May and he had already verbally agreed to go with them to their new club before Chester had offered the pair the vacancy at the Deva.

The centre-back has also played for Radcliffe Borough, Curzon Ashton and joined Southport during the second half of last season, before his release at the end of the campaign.

“Bernard and Jonno said they had a job coming up but they didn’t shed much light on where it was going to be,” he said. “I was surprised when they left Salford, but I was always interested in working with them again.

“They didn’t tell me the club, but once I saw they’d appointed at Chester I was absolutely delighted. I couldn’t wait to sign, it was an easy decision really.

“I’m a very positive person and I do believe we will be in the (promotion) mix come the end of the season.

“What you can guarantee is we’ll be fit and hungry to win every game. That’s what you get with Bern and Jonno’s teams, they are very fit and have a real will to win.

“We’ve got to make a good start, that’s first and foremost. If we get a good start, then who knows what can happen!”