GRANT SHENTON has announced his departure from Chester after admitting defeat in attempts to stay for the 2019/20 National League North campaign.

Chester's decision to revert to a hybrid model, which includes more training sessions, has meant that goalkeeper Shenton has been forced to leave the Swansway Stadium.

"I wish it could have been longer than one season, but with the club changing to a hybrid model, I couldn't commit to all of the sessions due to work commitments," revealed Shenton.

"I tried my best to find an alternative work arrangement but it wasn't something I could manage in the end."

Shenton played every single minute of the 2018/19 National League North season under Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, keeping 16 clean sheets in all competitions as the Blues missed out on the play-offs.

The 28-year-old feels privileged to have played for the Blues, saying: "I'd like to thank the gaffers for bringing me to the club when they were putting together a team from scratch.

"It was a very easy decision to make once I got the call and I'm very proud to say I've played for a club of this stature.

"Bern and Johnno have been great in trying to work something out for the club and for me and I wish them and the club all of the best for the future, and fingers crossed you can get that promotion everyone wants.

"Thank you to the fans who made me feel welcome at the club. I met some lovely people and made some good friends."

Joint-boss Johnson was sorry to see Shenton go, praising the stopper's contribution to the Blues' cause.

Johnson said: “We’d like to thank Grant for all his efforts on and off the pitch for Chester last season.

“Not only did he play in every single league game for the club, he also had the second best clean sheet ratio in the league last season.

“He’s a fantastic bloke who we’re sure will be a success at his next club. We wish him the very best of luck for the future.”