FORMER York City promotion-winner Kurt Willoughby has re-joined Chester on a season-long loan from Oldham Athletic.

The forward, who spent the latter half of last season with Ayr United, is a fan favourite at the Deva Stadium, and earned the nickname ‘King Kurt’ after scoring 27 goals in 52 appearances for the club following his release from City two seasons ago.

There, he will reunite with fellow City promotion-winner Mitch Hancox, who has joined the Seals on a deal until the end of the season.

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Willoughby first linked up with the Minstermen on loan from promotion rivals AFC Fylde in January 2020, scoring three times in four appearances.

He made the permanent move to York following his release from the Coasters at the end of that season, making just shy of 50 appearances for the club before being let go after they had sealed promotion to the Vanarama National League in 2021-22.

After a prolific 2022-23 season with Chester, Oldham snapped up the Blackpool-born striker on a two-year deal. He made 16 appearances as they earned a 10th-placed finish last season.

Now, Willoughby is delighted to be back at Chester and hopes he can get back to enjoying his football at the club.

Speaking to The Seals Podcast, he enthused: “It’s great to be back. I’m buzzing to be honest!

“I know what it’s like to be here, and I really enjoyed my time here. I can’t wait to do it again.

“There were a couple of options, but ultimately I knew what it was like here. I knew a lot of the lads, I’ve got a good relationship with the manager and I had my best spell of football here.

“I just wanted to get back to that, get back enjoying my football, and scoring goals again.

“I can tell that the club are having a good go again this season with the signings that they’ve made and I just wanted to be a part of that again. Hopefully we can go one more this time.”

Manager Calum McIntyre admitted he was “really pleased” to welcome Willoughby back to Chester.

He told the club: “I’m sure I speak for everyone at Chester Football Club when I say I am delighted to see Kurt back at the club.

“His record during his time with us was formidable and he has a terrific relationship with our fans. We are really pleased to have got this done.

“It is something we have looked to do for some time but ultimately it has only come to fruition over the last few days.”

Chester earned a 10th-placed finish in the National League North last term, finishing six points off the play-off places.