Pitchero Non League

Dave Hankin

.....North new boys Chester FC.

The 27-year-old winger, signed from Kidderminster Harriers, has spent the last two seasons playing in the Conferennce Premier.

He had no hesitation in dropping down a division to sign for the Blues as he believes they have what it takes to win a third straight promotion.

Hankin, who has also played for Clitheroe, Bamber Bridge and Stalybridge Celtic, said: “We should be up there next season but the league we’re going into is a tough league as I played in it when I was at Stalybridge. “The standard in the league is good and it should suit Chester as there’s more football played than down the Evo-Stik Leagues. Hopefully come the end of the season we’ll be up for a third successive promotion and maybe even three titles on the trot.

“This club is destined to be playing higher than it is and hopefully in a year’s time I’ll be saying I’ll be playing in the Premier for Chester.”

Hankin turned down a new deal with Kidderminster and offers from elsewhere to become Neil Young’s first recruit of the close season.

He admits the Blues boss played a big part in convincing him to move to the Exacta Stadium.

Hankin, whose career started at his hometown club Preston North End, said: “Within 10 minutes of speaking to Neil Young I knew this was the right place to come and I know I’ve definitely made the right decision.”

Young has long admired Hankin and failed in a bid to sign him last summer.

Hankin’s natural position is on the right of a midfield four but he has also played on the right of a front three.

His ability to play in different positions was a big pull for Young, who likes to alternate between 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations.

Hankin’s versatility, however, was not the only attraction.

Young said: “Dave ticks all the boxes – he’s got a great delivery, he’s deceptively quick and he has played in the Conference.

“With the lads who have played at a higher level you get the consistency but you often also find they have a better game knowledge too.”

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