'A top football player' - Phil Parkinson full of praise for new Chester man Sam Reed
Defender has joined the Blues on a two-year deal from Altrincham
Chester have completed the signing of left back Sam Reed from Altrincham.
The 23-year-old links up again with his old manager at Moss Lane, Phil Parkinson, after inking a two-year deal at the Deva Stadium.
Reed becomes the fifth summer signing for Chester boss Parkinson after the additions of Luke Hewitson, George Burroughs, Jacob Hazel and Dominic McHale, and is expected to be joined by more new faces over the next week.
“Sam is a very talented and versatile footballer who adds real quality to the group,” said Parkinson.
“He can play on either side as a full-back, operate in midfield, or play further forward on the wing, which gives us excellent flexibility across a number of positions.
“More importantly, he’s a top football player and very fast. He’s comfortable on the ball, intelligent in his decision-making, and someone who can impact games in a variety of ways. Players with Sam’s technical ability and versatility are difficult to find, so we’re fortunate to have been able to bring him to the football club.
“One thing you’ll notice with a lot of the younger players we’ve brought into the building is a common trait. They all have a real desire and ambition to get back to, or reach, the EFL. Sam is no different. He’s hungry, driven and determined to push his career forward, and that’s exactly the type of mentality we want in the group.
“I believe Sam will be a really important signing for us this season and another player who strengthens the squad both in terms of quality and competition for places.”
Reed made 21 National League appearances for the Robins last season and spent a period of time in 2024/25 on loan at National League North side Scarborough Athletic and National League outfit Boston United while a Sheffield Wednesday player. Reed made one FA Cup appearance during his time with the Owls.
Wednesday signed Reed to their under-21 side in 2023 after he impressed as a young player at Northern Premier League East outfit Brighouse Town, where he made more than 80 appearances across four years.