Tom Kearney is set to follow Michael Branch to Chester.

The 22-year-old midfielder would be the ninth player to leave Valley Parade during the club's cash crisis.

Ambitious League Two new boys Chester have already added eight to their squad since winning the Conference in May. As well as signing Branch from City, they also made an approach for Danny Cadamarteri before he opted for Leeds.

Kearney, like his close pal Branch, lives on Merseyside and a move to the Deva Stadium would suit him geographically.

Signed in March 2002 from Everton by Nicky Law, Kearney made an instant impression as a tenacious battler in midfield.

But he suffered cruciate damage in his knee in a game against Grimsby the following August, which ruled him out of action for almost 12 months.

Kearney signed a new two-year contract as he came back to fitness but found life tough on his return to the first team last season. He struggled to nail down a regular spot and started only 15 games - just one from the turn of the year.

But as another player prepared to move on, Colin Todd admitted that David Wetherall's decision to stay had lifted the spirits of the remaining first-team squad.

Todd said: "Something like that will create a buzz around the place. It's a carrot to give to the players to keep everyone going."

Meanwhile, City will get a £10,000 boost from Sky after their trip to Hull's KC Stadium on Tuesday, August 31 was chosen for live TV coverage.

l City will kick off their Valley Parade reserve games at 2pm next season.

The first match is at home to Barnsley on Tuesday, August 17.