Former Chester defender James Jones has returned to the club on a season-long loan deal.

Jones, who will be on loan from Salford City for the 2019/20 campaign, becomes joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s sixth acquisition of the summer.

A familiar face at the Deva, Jones came through the club’s academy ranks and signed his first professional deal back in the summer of 2017.

He departed the Blues last summer to join Salford City, who earned promotion to the Football League following their play-off triumph last month.

In 2017-18, James made 15 appearances in his breakthrough season for Chester under then manager Marcus Bignot.

His impressive displays earned him a call up to the England C squad to face Wales in March 2018.

Reflecting on his return, the 20-year-old said: “I’m very happy to be back.

“Obviously I had a good season here a couple of years ago and I was with the youth team for a fair few years, so I am familiar with the surroundings.

“I’m looking forward to getting back and playing. I know some of the players here and have good relationships with them. It’s a different management team but I just want to hit the ground running and play some football.

“The aim looks to be getting promoted which is exciting, and as a defender I want to contribute to as many clean sheets as possible and maybe chip in with some goals!”

Chester’s ranks could soon be bolstered further, as Johnson and Morley step up their hunt for a central midfielder.