Highly-rated James joined Chester on a two-year deal after leaving Macclesfield Town in June 2017.

He went out on loan to Barrow AFC in February 2018 and proved a key player for the Bluebirds as they managed to avoid relegation - ironically at the expense of his former and new club.

The 26-year-old England C international started his career at Sheffield United, where he captained the likes of current England star Kyle Walker, before moving on to Port Vale in 2011.

He had loan spells at Chasetown and Hereford United before leaving Vale Park to play for Hereford United on a permanent basis.

James then joined Chester for the first time in June 2014 before moving on to Halifax Town in July 2015.

The Barnsley-based James played for Halifax in their 2016 FA Trophy Final win over Grimsby Town before his move to Macclesfield in July 2016.

He featured in the Trophy Final for the second year running in 2017 but this time was on the losing side as the Silkmen were beaten 3-2 by York City.

James is expected to make his debut in tonight’s pre-season friendly against Bradford City at Nethermoor.