Chester land Branch
Division Three new boys Chester City have pulled off a close-season transfer coup by securing the services of former Everton striker Michael Branch.
The pacey forward has penned a three-year deal with the Conference champions and will look to resurrect his stalled career next season at The Deva Stadium.
Branch began his career at Goodison Park with Everton, before making a £500,000 switch to Wolves in 2000.
Failing to ever really settle in the Midlands, Branch then had loan spells with Reading and Hull - before moving permanently to Bradford in July 2003.
Despite scoring six goals last season for the Bantams, financial problems at the club meant severe squad pruning at the Bradford and Bingley Stadium in the summer.
''It is a huge signing for us as a club to bring in a player of his pedigree,'' declared Chester chief executive Dave Burford.
