A FORMER Birchwood Community High School student will be playing Premier League football next season.

Defender James Chester has signed a four-year deal with West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee (reportedly £8million) from former side Hull City, who were relegated to the Championship last season.

The 26-year-old Wales international, who started his career at Manchester United, was due to join up with his new teammates at the Hawthorns for training today, under the guidance of boss Tony Pulis.

 

Pulis told the club’s official website: "James did very well for Hull City. I've had a good chat with him and he's the type of player I like.

"He's young, a strong character, a good defender, he has good feet and he has the Manchester United stamp all over him, just like (Stoke City's) Ryan Shawcross and Darren Fletcher.

"They're wonderful lads and I'm told James is as well.

"James is a good player who can play anywhere along the back line and I'm confident he will get better with age.”

The former Winwick Athletic Junior got a glowing reference from old boss Steve Bruce.

Pulis added: "From the people I spoke to, like Steve Bruce and people in the Welsh party, they speak very highly of him.

"Steve especially gave him a great mention and there is no better accolade than Steve Bruce giving a defender a good drum roll.”

Chester could be joined in English football’s top flight next season by fellow Warrington player Jesse Lingard.

Warrington Guardian: Jesse Lingard in action for Manchester United

The 22-year-old has impressed Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal during the club’s pre-season tour of the USA.

He featured against Club America and San Jose Earthquakes before scoring in United’s 3-1 win over Barcelona on Saturday.

The Dutchman handed Lingard at start in United’s opening Premier League game against Swansea City last season, but injury curtailed his campaign at Old Trafford and loan spells in the Championship followed.

Everton defender Matthew Pennington has an outside chance of Premier League football this season, making his first team bow in the Toffees’ friendly win over Dundee last night.

The 20-year-old was a regular in Coventry City’s defence during a loan spell at the League One outfit last season.