Former Premier League star James Chester is pondering a move to League Two surprise package Barrow following his release from Derby County, according to Derbyshire Live.
The 34-year-old has been without a club since leaving Pride Park at the end of last season, although had been training with the Rams in order to build up his fitness following a calf injury which he picked up in April.
His move to the East Midlands last summer ended the defender’s 11-year stay in England’s top two divisions, having spent time at Hull City, West Bromwich Albion, Hull City and Stoke City across the Premier League and the Championship.
His form at club level saw Chester break into the Wales national setup, where he was a mainstay during their march to the Euro 2016 semi-final. He eventually earned 35 caps before his final appearance against Denmark in the Nations League in 2018.
The Real EFL exclusively revealed at the weekend that the former Manchester United academy graduate was on trial with Barrow, who are looking to bolster their squad after an excellent start to the new League Two season.
The versatile defender is now mulling over a contract offer as he considers dropping down to the fourth tier for the twilight years of his career.
The Bluebirds currently sit second in League Two, although dropped their 100% start to the new season last night with a 1-1 draw away at Accrington Stanley. They face arguably their toughest test of the campaign to date this coming Saturday when they travel to promotion favourites Stockport County.
Writer’s View
James Chester is a player with excellent pedigree who could prove to be a major coup for Barrow. Despite struggling with injuries last season, he is still a player that could play at a higher level and his experience is one that could prove pivotal as the season progresses.
Time will tell as to whether he is willing to accept the club’s proposed offer, but the fact that he has been on trial surely points to some level of interest from the player’s side.
