New Chester signing Joel Taylor hopes to make a ‘big impression’ following his switch from league rivals Kidderminster Harriers.

The 23-year-old full back agreed a one-year deal with the Blues earlier this week to become their first summer signing.

Taylor topped the list of summer transfer targets for joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, and now the former Stoke City academy player is keen to repay their faith in him.

“It means a lot that they’ve come in for me so early on,” he said.

“I’d been speaking to the managers the whole week before signing and they made me feel really wanted.

“Having that belief in me gives me a lot of confidence that I can make a big impression and help the club achieve what they’re aiming for next season.

“Playing for Kiddy, I’ve come up against their sides before - Chester last season and Salford the year before - and I know how much they demand of their players.

“I’m really looking forward to working with them and helping Chester push on in the league again.”

Prior to his two-year stint with Harriers, midlander Taylor spent eight years in Stoke’s youth sides.

A series of impressive displays at left-back earned him the club’s U21 Player of the Season award in the 2015/16 campaign, though a first team senior appearance never materialised.

“ I made the bench for a few Premier League games, but never got on,” he recalled.

“That 2015/16 season was probably the best football I’ve ever played, so it was disappointing that I didn’t get a contract a year later after my loan spell at Rochdale.

“Football’s ruthless sometimes and it was a lesson learned for me.”

A successful two-year-spell with Harriers followed, where Taylor made 51 appearances and netted twice in two seasons.

Describing himself as a ‘modern, athletic full-back’, Taylor hopes his presence can help stabilise the defence and augment the Blues' attacking options.

He said: “I like to get up and down the line as much as possible to support the midfield and forwards.

“Obviously you’re expected to be strong both defensively and in attack, and that’s how I see my game.

“It’s high-energy and non-stop for the full 90 minutes.”

Chester and Kidderminster experienced similar 2018/19 campaigns, with the ninth-placed Blues finishing just two points clear of their national League North rivals.

After a 3-1 away defeat at the Swansway Stadium in September, Taylor’s Kiddy side exacted revenge five months later with a 4-1 verdict at Aggborough.

“That second game was pretty eventful,” said Taylor.

“We found ourselves 1-0 down towards the end of the first half and were fearing the worst after what had happened away. But we upped our game from there and clawed it back before we scored three times in the second half.

“Even when they were being beaten, Chester kept attacking and looking to get back in the game. There’s a good spirit at this club and if the managers are able to add to the quality that’s already here I know we’ll be challenging near the top next season.”