NEIL YOUNG has revealed he is close to completing a deal that will bring prolific striker Ben Mills back to Chester.
The Blues boss confirmed that he is hoping to sign the Macclesfield Town forward who netted nine goals in five appearances during his loan spell at Chester earlier this season.
“I’m delighted to say that we are close to completing a deal with Macclesfield for Ben Mills,” Young said.
“Southport as well as ourselves have been interested in signing Ben, but we have got an agreement in place with Ben and with Macclesfield to bring him to Chester.
“Ben did really well for us during his loan spell at Chester earlier this season and I’m hoping that we can now get the deal over the line by the close of play today in order for him to be available for selection tomorrow.”
Southport boss Liam Watson had struck a deal with Macclesfield to sign Mills and the player’s terms had been agreed, but Mills informed Watson on Wednesday night that he was on the verge of returning to Chester.
Young is hoping it’s a case of business as usual tomorrow when he kicks off a full-time role at Chester.
The Blues boss is preparing his side for a match at Histon - his 101st league game at the helm following back to back title-winning championship campaigns, and is now targeting top spot in the Conference North league table.
Young is today experiencing his last day as a manager at Merseyrail after nearly 21 years service with the company and before an 18 month sabbatical in a bid to point Chester to another promotion.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge I’m facing at Chester and I can’t wait to get started,” Young said.
“I’ve already got things planned and meetings have been set-up for next week, but I’m hoping that my team can win tomorrow’s match at Histon and that we can go to the top of the league table.
“I am giving up quite a bit financially, but the challenge at Chester is one that I had to take.
“I can’t thank Merseyrail enough for giving me the opportunity of an 18 month sabbatical. It’s a new and a big challenge and one that I can’t wait to get started.
“Part of the deal with Merseyrail is that they will keep me a job open but that they can’t guarantee that the job I’ve left will still be there when I go back, which is understandable.”
Chester are currently two points adrift of league leaders Brackley Town after a 1-0 victory at Gloucester City on Sunday courtesy of a Nathan Jarman goal.
The Blues will be full of confidence and Young is hoping he has a full strength squad to choose from for the trip to Cambridgeshire.
Young, who successfully employed a 4-3-3 formation at Gloucester, has witnessed his side secure 12 victories from their opening 14 league fixtures.
He added: “Luke Denson and Matty McGinn are back in training after nursing injuries, and Scott Brown and Dominic Collins should be available for selection after suffering knocks.
“I’m hoping we can build on some momentum after the win at Gloucester and after seeing the players adapt so well to the new formation we used.”
Chester’s hosts are currently third bottom in the league table.