Deserved rise up the pyramid for Harrison

HARRISON Burke has made the huge step to League Two with Walsall after saying farewell to Chester FC.

- BY CLIVE YOULTON

The 22-year-old completed a permanent transfer to the Midlanders for an undisclosed fee.

The central defender moves up to the EFL for a significant transfer sum, ending a decade-long association with his hometown club.

From Dodleston, Burke first joined the club's academy as an U13 and penned his first senior contract with the Blues in October 2020. After a productive loan spell with Clitheroe the following campaign, he then marked his full Seals debut with a stunning strike in a 5-0 win over Southport in February 2022, which was named the club's goal of the season.

Burke cemented himself as a crucial figure in the defence over the past three seasons, culminating in a magnificent 2024/25 campaign. He made 52 appearances and provided an incredible return of 13 goals from centre back.

League recognition arrived as he was named in the National League North Team of the Season - having already won the club's CFU Player of the Season for the second year running, alongside the Players’ Player of the Season and Away Travel Player of the Season at the club's annual awards evening.

In total he made 154 appearances for Chester, standing seventh in the all-time list of games played since reformation.