MIDFIELDER Gary Roberts has signed a new one-year contract with Chester FC ahead of the new season.

The Blacon-based central midfielder extends his stay into a third campaign involved at the Deva after proving his fitness following the conclusion of the 2018/19 season.

Roberts signed an initial short-term deal at the Swansway Chester Stadium in January 2018 with the 32-year-old going on to score five goals in 53 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.

He originally came through the youth ranks at Crewe Alexandra and went on to make over 100 appearances for the Railwaymen, scoring 11 goals.

Roberts has also featured at clubs such as Yeovil, Rotherham and Port Vale in the Football League and also played for England at U16, U17 and U19 levels; as well as being Captain of the England Under-18s.

Roberts began the 2017/18 season at Bangor City in the Welsh Premier League before joining Southport in the National League North, scoring four goals in 14 games for the Sandgrounders.

Speaking to ChesterFC.com after Roberts extended his stay, joint boss, Anthony Johnson, said: “We wanted Gary to commit to a close season fitness program with Chris, our strength and conditioning coach, to give him the best chance to be ready for the new season,but also to see how bad he really wants to be the player we all know he can be.

“We are delighted to have Robbo back on board and also have him committing to all four training sessions during the week.

“He’s come back in terrific shape, we know that we’ve not only got the most technically gifted player in non-league but more importantly a hungry and determined Gary Roberts.”