---
title: "Aston Villa: Fans react to James Chester’s permanent Stoke City move"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-fans-james-chester-stoke-transfer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "Aston Villa"
published: "2020-08-11T18:00:06Z"
modified: "2020-08-11T18:00:06Z"
---

# Aston Villa: Fans react to James Chester’s permanent Stoke City move

**Many Aston Villa fans have reacted to former defender [James Chester’s move to Stoke City on a free transfer.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53728125)**

The 33-year-old fell out of favour with Dean Smith following the club’s promotion to the Premier League and made just [two appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-chester/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/73482) before agreeing a loan move to Stoke in January. Having impressed upon his arrival at the bet365 stadium, Chester instantly became a starter, [featuring in all but one](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-chester/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/73482) of Stoke’s league games before the global pandemic halted the season.

After leaving Villa earlier this summer when his contract [expired](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-chester/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/73482), it has now been [confirmed](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53728125) that Chester has moved to Stoke on a permanent deal. He becomes Stoke’s second signing of the close season following the arrival on Friday of former Sheffield Wednesday left-back [Morgan Fox.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53699532)

Upon Chester’s [confirmed](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53728125) arrival at the bet365 Stadium, Potters manager Michael O’Neill said: *“James brings vast experience to our squad and he has already shown himself to be a massive influence, both in and around the training ground and in matches.”*

Reacting to the news which was shared by Twitter account @villareport, these fans gave their opinion on Chester’s time at Villa and his permanent move to Stoke:

> What a player btw, unbelievable for us in the championship
>
> — Garin Williams (@GW\_94) [August 10, 2020](https://twitter.com/GW_94/status/1292851408753106945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Absolute hero. Good luck for the future. [pic.twitter.com/CWtFTYhW5k](https://t.co/CWtFTYhW5k)
>
> — Munstead Wood (@WoodMunstead) [August 10, 2020](https://twitter.com/WoodMunstead/status/1292862214706257920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> All the best to him. Always gave us 110%. Even played with those injuries. Great defender. So comitted.
>
> — Marty Janetty’r Ystrad (@marty\_ystrad) [August 10, 2020](https://twitter.com/marty_ystrad/status/1292852606591733761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Sorry to see him go but inevitable. Did so much for this club. ❤️
>
> — Pearson (@pearsontombo) [August 10, 2020](https://twitter.com/pearsontombo/status/1292852592851202048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Top player, went above and beyond for us, wish you all the best Chezzy
>
> — matthew hemus (@matthemus13) [August 10, 2020](https://twitter.com/matthemus13/status/1292880430941851649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Steve Bruce ruined his PL career. We owe Chester a lot. What a professional, love the bloke
>
> — AM (@AmirEoinM) [August 10, 2020](https://twitter.com/AmirEoinM/status/1292866115539017728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

***Do you think Villa should have kept hold of Chester and handed him a chance in the Premier League? Let us know in the comments section below…***