JON WORSNOP insists that "nobody is happier" after he secured a return to Chester.

The experienced goalkeeper has made a move to the Blues as Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley's men prepare for the National League North play-offs, which see Chester head to Altrincham on Sunday, July 19.

And Worsnop, who will combine a coaching role with playing, is delighted to be back at the Deva Stadium.

"It feels like home," said Worsnop, founder of Gymology. "Nobody is happier than me that I'm back because it's a club close to my heart.

"I would class myself as an avid Chester supporter. I check all of the club's results and give a little fist pump when they've had a good one."

Given his love of the Blues, it took very little to persuade Worsnop to take up a player/coach role when Johnson and Morley picked up the phone.

"Jonno called and explained the club's position and how they may or may not have a goalkeeper for the play-offs, if they were to take part in them," said Worsnop. "He asked if I would be interested in coming in and I jumped at the chance.

"It was a 'no-brainer'. I had other options, but I was holding out in the hope something might happen and when Jonno asked 'are you interested?' I bit his hand off."

Not only is Worsnop a self-confessed Chester supporter, but he's a huge fan of Johnson and Morley, who have shown their managerial acumen with Ramsbottom and Salford before heading to the Blues.

"I've always wanted to work with them," said Worsnop. "We've had a mutual respect whenever we've come up against each other, we've always had a chat and some banter.

"I truly believe that they are the best management duo down in non-league football and given their mentality and desire, they are destined to go further in the game.

"They've blown me away with what they've done and it would be great it we could form a team and if I could stick close to them, because I believe in what they do."

Worsnop might be 37 and coming towards the end of his playing days, but he's not going to be winding down the clock quietly - and when he does hang up his gloves he'll be keeping the next generation of shot-stoppers on their toes.

"I still feel I've got a lot to offer as a player," said Worsnop, who is a Uefa B licence qualified coach. "As you get older people talk about age, but I honestly feel like I'm 23 or 24 still. I look after myself and I'm always out and about doing something.

"The young boys won't know what's hit them. It's about winning at all costs and that won't change."

And the Bradford-born fans' favourite hopes to be involved as Chester eye a trip to York City in the play-off semi-finals which is the reward for beating Altrincham on Sunday week.

"We are just waiting for clarification," said Worsnop, who was at Grantham before the coronavirus crisis struck. "Touch wood myself and Louis are cleared to play."