One of Chester’s joint managers says that speculation linking them to the vacant post at Bury is just that.

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley are among the bookies’ favourites to take over the crisis club after Ryan Lowe’s departure to Plymouth.

The pair, who are from Bury and have previously been in charge of Ramsbottom and Salford City, are listed as the leading contenders by Sky Bet ahead of former Rochdale boss Keith Hill.

"Look, we are from Bury and I'm a Bury fan so it's not that hard to see where the link comes from," Johnson told Cheshire Live.

"We've not spoken to anyone and the club haven't spoken to anyone. Even if they wanted us we are contracted football managers and the club would require compensation.

"People love linking names to jobs but we aren't in the running for the job and me and Bernard are focused on what comes next here at Chester.

“We've put a lot of work into what next season would look like and we're really excited for it, probably more so than any season I can remember.

"Next season is a big one for me, Bernard and the football club and that's all that we are focused on and planning for, nothing else."

Johnson and Morley led Chester to ninth in the National League North last season.

While at Salford they won three promotions in four years but left after sealing their place in the National League 12 months ago.  

The pair where also promoted twice in six years with Rammy, leading them to the Evo-Stik Premier Division.