James Chester came through Man Utd’s academy and the former defender is considering a career in coaching.
James Chester battling with Anthony Martial in 2016.(Image: 2016 Manchester United FC)
Manchester United academy graduate James Chester is gaining experience in coaching in the club’s academy.
Chester played in the 2007 FA Youth Cup final, he was named United’s academy Player of the Year by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he made his first-team debut under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009.
The Warrington-born lad was sold to Hull City in 2011 for a transfer fee that Ferguson called “an absolute steal”. He subsequently represented West Brom, Aston Villa, Stoke City, Derby County and Barrow before calling time on his playing career earlier this year following a stint with Salford City.
After retirement, Chester was invited by his close friend, Paul McShane, to watch the academy train.
Although McShane left United this summer after five years in the academy, Chester was invited to take his first steps in coaching by working with the Under-15s and Under-16 age groups.
Chester has been welcomed back to Carrington on a voluntary basis, and the former defender is working three times per week with the U15s and U16s – passing on his experience from his career.
The 36-year-old announced his retirement in January and is understood to be in the early stages of weighing up what his future holds, but he is enjoying the chance to coach while studying for his UEFA B Licence.
United have reaped the benefits of welcoming academy graduates back to Carrington in academy coaching roles over the last few years. Such arrangements give youngsters the opportunity to learn from former players with Premier League experience, and it’s mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
Chester was part of a talented United team that reached the 2007 Youth Cup final, starring alongside the likes of Danny Welbeck, Danny Drinkwater, Sam Hewson and Febian Brandy.
Ferguson handed Chester his first-team debut in the League Cup semi-final second leg against Derby in January 2009. He came on as a substitute for Gary Neville with 20 minutes to go.
Chester was part of the Hull City side that reached the 2014 FA Cup final against Arsenal and he scored the opening goal inside four minutes. He made over 500 competitive appearances and recorded 35 caps for Wales.
The United academy graduate played every minute for Wales as they reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
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