Iwan Murray leaves Chester as Cymru Premier move looks likely
Attacking midfielder and academy graduate departs the Deva Stadium
Iwan Murray has departed Chester after 173 appearances across two spells with the Blues.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, a graduate of the club’s academy, was offered a new deal with the Blues under Phil Parkinson, but the Denbigh-based fan favourite has opted to seek pastures new, with a move to the Cymru Premier expected to materialise.
Murray came through the ranks at Chester under the guidance of then academy boss Calum McIntyre to break into the first team in 2018 and make 10 starts before leaving the Deva Stadium to link up with McIntyre in his first senior managerial role at Northern Premier League Division One (West) outfit Runcorn Linnets in 2020.
Sixty five games and 25 goals later he would help lead the Linnets to the play-offs before following McIntyre to Chester after he was appointed boss in 2022.
Murray’s role with the Blues grew into a senior one and he became an important attacking cog for Chester during his four-year spell, with the high watermark of his time at the Deva being his opener in the 2-0 play-off eliminator win over Buxton in the summer of 2025, a game that marked Chester’s first play-off win as a reformed club.
Murray said: “I just want to say thank you to all the Chester fans for their support during my time at the club.
“I’ve loved every minute and I’m so proud to have made 173 appearances after coming through the youth team, but I’ve decided it’s time for a new challenge.
“Thanks to all the staff and volunteers and especially the players that I’ve been able to play with. Wishing everyone at the club all the best for the future and thank you for the amazing memories.”
Murray has been a popular figure on and off the pitch at Chester but was unable to make an impact down the final stretch of the season last campaign under interim boss Connell Rawlinson, who led the Blues to a seventh-placed finish and a play-off berth, due to injury.
Parkinson had been keen to see Murray remain as part of the group but a chance to open a new chapter elsewhere has proven appealing, with Connah’s Quay Nomads likely to be a strong suitor for his services.
Chester vice-chairman Jim Green said: “Iwan has been an outstanding servant to the club, and Chester has been a huge part of his life for the past decade, across two spells.
“On a personal level, I have taken great pride in watching him develop and mature, both as a player and a person. He has approached every day with professionalism and positivity, and has been an excellent role model for our football club.
“It’s the right time for Iwan to move on to his next challenge. He leaves us with some special memories across more than 170 appearances and we wish every success for his future.”
Chester’s attention now turns to who arrives and joins Jacob Hazel and George Burroughs as summer additions. Deals for a permanent goalkeeper, two centre backs, an experienced central midfielder and a dynamic winger are all understood to be all but done, but some deals can only be announced when player contracts expire, with others away on holiday.
All good things come to an end. A very popular player at Chester. Wish him all the best.