YOUNG Warrington Town star Paul Berry has left the club for football league side Chester City.

The 20-year-old midfielder has joined the financially troubled club on a three-year contract after meeting with City chairman Terry Smith.

Chester scouts had been keeping a close eye on Berry and manager Kevin Ratcliffe moved in for his signature after his superb display in the friendly between the two clubs earlier this month.

But Town will not receive a penny for the transfer as he was not under contract to play for them.

"It's a big blow for the club, but the lad's a good player and deserves his chance," said manager Dave Hughes.

The Berry loss has added to increasing squad concerns for Warrington as several key players look set to miss the start of the season on August 7.

Star striker Damien Whitehead has been having trials with Division Four side Macclesfield Town and it is rumoured he has been offered a one-year contract with the club.

Kevin Tyrrel and goalkeeper Alan Thompson will be unavailable due to work commitments overseas and Neil Holden is facing a five-week suspension, after an appeal, for verbally abusing a referee.

Defenders Ian Hughes, Chris Hunt and Ian Bold will all be ruled out by injuries picked up last season.

"We are going to struggle early on and we will have to be on the lookout to bring in a couple of players to help us through," said Hughes.

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