Chester sign midfielder dubbed 'best guy ever' to two-year deal

Dan Ward has become the 11th signing of the Phil Parkinson era at Chester

Dan Ward has signed a two-year deal (CHARLIE STOCKTON)

Chester have completed their 11th signing of the summer with the addition of versatile central midfielder Dan Ward on a two-year deal.

Ward, 28, joins the Blues having spent the last two seasons as an important part of the team at National League North rivals South Shields, although he missed the final weeks of the campaign and the run to the play-off final, where they were beaten by Kidderminster Harriers, due to an injury sustained in early March.

He was present and training with his new teammates at the King George V Sports Hub in Blacon after completing his medical last week and joined a host of new faces as they reported for work under the stewardship of Chester boss Phil Parkinson for the first time.

Said Parkinson: “Dan joins us with a wealth of experience at this level, having been a key part of the Gateshead side that won the National League North title before competing in the National League and reaching the FA Trophy Final. He also had a spell at South Shields, so he knows exactly what this level demands.

“He’s an energetic, all-action midfielder who can affect the game at both ends of the pitch. He brings quality in possession, works tirelessly for the team and has consistently contributed with goals and assists throughout his career.

“One of Dan’s biggest strengths is his experience and versatility. He can comfortably play all three midfield roles that we look to recruit for, which gives us real flexibility and makes him a valuable asset to the squad.

“Just as importantly, from the first conversation it was clear he wanted to be part of what we’re building here. His ambition, professionalism and winning mentality are exactly the type of characteristics we want in this dressing room.”

Ward fills the midfield void left by the departure of Lewis Leigh to Morecambe last month, and he will battle it out for a midfield berth with the likes of Declan Weeks and Jack Bainbridge.

Ward played 33 times in the National League North for Shields last season, netting five times, and was a popular player for the North East club having arrived the season prior from Oldham Athletic, where he made seven National League appearances for the Latics. His career has also taken in spells with Spennymoor Town and St Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland, having come through the youth systems at Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, starting his career prior to that at Seaham Red Star.

Jacob Hazel and Dan Ward during training (CHARLIE STOCKTON)

When Ward was injured against Curzon Ashton on March 7, Shields boss Ian Watson gave a glowing tribute to the midfielder when addressing the injury post match, giving insight into the character of Chester’s new midfield man.

“I get a little bit emotional when talking about it (the injury) because he is the best guy ever,” said Watson.

“He supports everyone off the pitch, he puts the team before himself all the time.

“I could stand here and say words about him but you wouldn’t know what he’s like until you’re in the group, in the team.”

Ward joins Luke Hewitson, Sam Reed, George Burroughs, Jack Kenny, Jake Griffin, Dominic McHale, Billy Waters, Kofi Moore, Jefferson Abreu and Jacob Hazel as new members of the Chester squad for 2026/27.