Chairman David Harrington-Wright feels Chester’s new management duo have the requisite ‘experience and knowledge’ of National League North to prove a real success.

Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson were appointed last week, a matter of days after leaving Salford City who they guided to three promotions and the National League North title last month, in a move seen as a real coup for the Blues.

Harrington-Wright, chairman of City Fans United – the supporter’s group that owns Chester – believes the dynamic pairing will bring ‘their own style’ to the Deva and feels talk of an inflated budget during their time at Salford is emphasised.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the appointment and to be able to bring both Anthony and Bernard in whilst working within our budget,” he said.

“They come across really well and have a lot of experience in this league. Their knowledge of the league is second to none and they know players at this level, which is crucial.

“I think it represents an exciting time for the club. Anthony and Bernard have their own style and it’s about integrating that style within Chester Football Club, whilst keeping true to the club’s values.

“Without knowing full details, I don’t think their budget at Salford was that big. The former United players are successful businessmen and they’re not going to throw money at it for the sake of it. The budget was decent for this level but it’s more about the right type of players that Bern and Jonno can bring in.

“We’ve seen a largely positive reaction from the supporters and in the press. You can never please all the people all the time, there’s been a few who will always want their say. But on the whole, I think the appointment has been positive and it was nice to keep it well guarded right up until the day itself.

“Of course, you lads in the press have a duty to get it out there, but usually as a board if we sneeze it’s leaked all over Deva Chat, so it was nice to spring it as a bit of a surprise.”

Wealthy Chester-based entrepreneur Stuart Murphy has pledged a donation to the club to help their financial troubles and help to avoid a repeat of the financial crisis which hit the Blues back in January, when fans had to bail the club out to the tune of £100,000.

Asked if Chester had received any cash advance from businessman Murphy to get the two managers through the door, the chairman replied: “Absolutely not. Stuart’s commitment to the club wasn’t even mentioned to the candidates.

“Bernard and Anthony were spoken to regarding the same criteria as our other targets and it would have been unethical from the club, in my opinion, to offer one manager one amount and other managers another. We’ve done things the right way and there certainly hasn’t been a different package agreed.

“Any money Stuart is donating to the club is set to be infrastructure-based. Of course, down the road it would be great if there was some money to spend on the playing budget, but that’s not the case as far as we know it.”