A former Carlisle United and Barrow player is working for Manchester United.
James Chester actually started his career at Old Trafford and was sold by Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2011.
Wales international defender Chester, who retired from professional football in February 2025 following injury issues, is working with the club’s age groups in their Carrington Academy.
Chester is coaching United’s youngsters at U15 and U16 level on what is being described as a ‘voluntary basis’.
Chester is working three days per week at the academy as he takes his first steps into coaching.
He is studying for a UEFA B licence.
Now 37-years-old he had signed his first professional contract with United in 2007 and made his first and only senior appearance as a substitute in a League Cup semi-final tie against Derby County in 2009.
He transferred to Hull City in 2011 for a nominal fee described by Ferguson as an ‘absolute steal’, and helped them earn promotion to the Premier League in the 2012/13 season.
Included on his CV before that switch was a loan spell at Brunton Park in the 2011/12 season when he played 18 League games and scored two goals for the Blues.
After leaving Hull he played for West Brom, Aston Villa, Stoke and Derby before joining Barrow for the 2023/24 season when he played 38 times and scored two goals.
He left Holker Street for Salford City but after just seven games was forced to retire.
