Towering defender Hunt is Magpies first summer signing

Central defender Max Hunt has joined the Magpies for the forthcoming National League North season.

The towering 27-year-old made 45 appearances for Alfreton Town in National League North last season, featuring in both 1-0 wins over the Magpies.

Chesterfield-born Hunt joined Alfreton two years ago from Buxton, having played for Yeovil Town in the National League and for Carlisle United in League Two.

Chorley boss Andy Preece said:”Max is dominant in the air and composed on the ball. He's been a player I felt could play higher up the pyramid.

He will complement our other defenders and is another leader just reaching his prime years."

Hunt moved to Victory Park in a week the club confirmed that Kole Hall, Jack Moore, Jack Sampson and Harvey Smith will remain at the club next season.

Sampson, 33, was last season's top scorer with nine and has 38 goals in 148 appearances for the club he rejoined in February 2022.

“Sampo is a really important player for us. The key is keeping him fit,” said Preece. “He is the best number nine in the league.”

Full-back Moore, 22, has signed permanently after three loan spells from Blackpool and Preece said: “Jack is a player we feel is only going to get better over time. He got better as the season went on."

Manager's player of the season Smith, 27, has topped 200 appearances since 2020 and Preece said of the defender: “Harvey has been consistent throughout his time at the club. Last season was probably his best."

Jack Griffiths, Milan Lalkovic, Joe Nolan and Tom Walker are moving on, along with the club's legendary keeper Matt Urwin, and do so with Preece's best wishes.

Midfielder Nolan, who have made 140 appearances over four seasons, has turned down a new deal in search of more regular football.

Preece said: "Joe was one of my first signings, so it is really hard to see him leave. He's grown into a fantastic all-round midfielder.”

Former Walsall winger Lalkovic was also offered new terms but is understood to have found a new club closer to Salford City, where he is an academy coach.

“Managing him was easy we had a fantastic relationship. We helped him get his buzz back for playing,” said Preece.

Players whose Chorley deals for 2026/27 had already been confirmed are Adam Blakeman, Sam Bird, Mike Calveley, Warren Clarke and Mark Ellis.