Meynell set for switch to Chester

Rhys Meynell played for Chester's new boss Mick Wadsworth at Gretna

Relegated Chester City have lined up young Stalybridge Celtic defender Rhys Meynell as their first summer signing.

The 20-year-old left-back originally agreed to sign for Blue Square North side AFC Telford United.

But, after attending his first Telford training session on Saturday, he was alerted by the appointment of his old Gretna boss Mick Wadsworth at the Deva.

Wadsworth did his first bit of business on Wednesday when goalkeeper John Danby signed a new two-year contract.

And, as well as lining up released Shrewsbury Town defender Neil Ashton, he has also been in touch with regard to bringing Meynell to Blue Square Premier Chester.

Meynell had signed initial forms with Telford, but had not been registered and had not agreed terms. And he did not appear for training as scheduled at the Bucks Head on Tuesday night.

A statement on Telford's club website said: "After a discussion with Meynell it soon transpired that he wanted to sign for City who are looking to remain full-time in the Blue Square Premier next season."

Meynell, who started with Wadsworth's hometown club Barnsley, spent the final half of the 2007/08 season at Gretna - and played in the final game of their existence.

He then returned to parent club Barnsley, but was released in May 2008. And, after trials at Barnet and Oxford United, made a summer move to Steve Burr's Stalybridge, for whom he was a regular, making 47 appearances.

Stoke-born Danby, who missed City's final five games with a shoulder injury, arrived at the Deva from Kidderminster Harriers following their relegation from the Football League in May 2005.