McAteer has been given a role as a coach with Chester

McAteer, 36, has been combining coaching classes with media duties since hanging up his boots last year.

City boss Williamson said: "He's just a different voice who can freshen things up on the coaching side of things.

"He's sitting his coaching exams and we felt we could help him with that. My assistant manager Jimmy Bone and I have been assessors in Scotland."

McAteer was released as player-coach by Tranmere in May 2007 after spending three seasons at Prenton Park.