The 29-year-old, who played for City when Mark Wright was in charge, agreed a three-year deal with the Blues last night and became the club's fifth pre-season signing.

Lowe, who joined from Chester City on a free transfer back in 2006, still had one year left on his contract at Crewe. But the attacking midfielder found himself down the pecking order at Gresty Road and ended last season on loan at Stockport County.

Blues boss Simon Davies was delighted to capture Lowe who will provide further competition for places in midfield.

Davies said: "Ryan Lowe will provide us with experience and quality and I'm excited about the number of options now available to me in midfield and up front.

"Ryan can play in a number of different positions and, like Anthony Barry, he is capable of pushing forward and causing problems.

"Ryan told me how well he did when he played for Chester last time he was here and now we're all hoping he can match – or better – that spell.

"He has a bubbly personality and on the field when he is on the ball his play is exceptional.

"Ryan can fit into a 4-3-3 formation easily, and adapt to a 4-4-2 system if required. He can play virtually anywhere which is a massive plus for us.

"I've now got Ryan Lowe, Paul Taylor, Kevin Ellison, John Murphy, Chris Holroyd, Paul McManus, and even Andy Mitchell, who can all play in our forward line. It's an exciting thought and a nice problem for me to have.

"I don't think there's a lot wrong with my current squad, but I do want to bring in another goalkeeper and I've organised a trial game at TNS on Tuesday to take a look at three or four players.

"I'm wanting a goalkeeper to provide some competition for John Danby."

Lowe netted 14 goals in 40 appearances for Chester during the 2005-06 season before joining Crewe where he scored 12 goals in his first season and only managed five goals last term.

Liverpool-born Lowe started his career at Burscough before moving to Shrewsbury in 2000 where he scored 32 goals in 171 appearances.

Meanwhile, Paul Butler and Tony Dinning have resolved their differences with the Blues and yesterday agreed 12 month extensions to their existing contracts.

Davies said: "There was a dispute, however, after talks the two players are willing to give their all for the club which is pleasing.

"Everybody in the squad is now knuckling down and preparing for the start of the season."

- Striker Paul Taylor has joined Chester from Vauxhall Motors on a six-month temporary loan which will be made a permanent signing when the transfer window re-opens in January.