Former Hull City stalwart James Chester has revealed he has retired from professional football after 18 years.
The Wales international was at Salford City for the final season of his career but had only played twice for The Ammies in the EFL Trophy and EFL Cup.
Chester Calls Time
Starting his career at Manchester United in their academy system, he would gain limited EFL experience with Carlisle United and Plymouth Argyle before he was signed by Hull City in 2011. He would be a regular for the Tigers over his four-year stint in East Yorkshire, making 171 appearances and was the opening goalscorer in the 2014 FA Cup final loss against Arsenal.
He would then move on to Aston Villa after a season-long stint at their Midlands rivals in West Bromwich Albion, where he played three seasons for the club in the Championship before being loaned out to Stoke City after struggling with a knee injury throughout his last full season at the club. He would bounce around other EFL sides after two years at The Potters, playing for Derby County, Barrow and ultimately ending at Salford City in League Two.
On Instagram, Chester posted (Quotes via Salford City FC):
“After 18 years as a professional footballer and over 500 games, the time has come for me to announce my retirement. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with unforgettable moments, amazing teammates, fantastic staff and unwavering support at every club I’ve played for. I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve achieved in the game, and now I’m excited to see what my life brings next. I’ll remain part of the Salford City squad until the end of the season, where I’ll continue learning about the other aspects of football. Thank you all for everything.”
Writer’s View
James Chester was a very solid defender and will be remembered by Hull City fans for his dedication to the club with promotion into the Premier League and giving them one of their finest moments in recent history with his opening goal in the FA Cup final. Ultimately it seems that injuries and his age have caught up with him and at some point would have to call it quits. It seems his next steps will be into off-field work within football and Salford City is a great place to begin to learn a new aspect of the game with their status as an EFL side and will have access to work alongside experienced managers like Karl Robinson and Ryan Giggs. The Real EFL wishes Chester the best with his new journey within the beautiful game.
