Steve Mungall during his 624-game career for Tranmere

Mungall, 49, replaces former St Mirren boss Jimmy Bone, who had only been at the Deva Stadium since December.

But Bone was shown the door following a clear-the-air meeting involving staff and senior players on Wednesday.

Mungall, who spent his playing days at Tranmere, had a brief spell as City boss in their Conference days in 2001.

He was one of five Chester managers during the 2001/02 season, taking over from Gordon Hill in early October.

But, after starting with two victories, City were to win just one of their next 10, and he departed following the 3-1 Boxing Day defeat at Northwich.

His last management post, as assistant to Dave Pace at non-League Droylsden, ended just before Christmas.

Mungall's return to the Deva is the second addition to Williamson's backroom team this week following the appointment of ex-Liverpool, Blackburn, Bolton and Tranmere midfielder Jason McAteer to the coaching staff.

That is Chester's response to a sorry return of just two points out of a possible 33 since Christmas Day.

This nightmare 11-game run, in which they have shipped 30 goals, has seen them fall away from being likely promotion challengers to even be considered outside relegation candidates.