New dual role responsibilities for Rawlinson

Connell Rawlinson will continue to play a key defensive role for Chester and take on some coaching responsibilities

- Rick Matthews

CONNELL Rawlinson has penned a new contract with the club in a dual role as player/coach.

The 33-year-old has expressed his gratitude to manager Calum McIntyre for allowing him to take the step up to the coaching staff while still plying his trade on the pitch.

Rawlinson returned to his home-town club last summer. A product of the Chester City academy, he made 38 appearances last term and scored two goals.

He enthused: "I'm really pleased to get things sorted and finalised for next season.

"Firstly I'd like to thank the gaffer for entrusting me with the opportunity to step into a coaching role alongside playing next year.

"As anyone in football knows you need people to give you your opportunities in this business and the Gaffer has done that for me and I'm really grateful for that.

"It's something that I have planned and wanted to do from early on in my career.