August 2007 News

31 August 2007
TOUGH GAME FOR CITY
Manager Bobby Williamson has a fully fit squad to choose from for tomorrow’s visit to Rotherham United. Williamson will be returning to Millmoor where he played as a successful striker in the late 1980’s early 90’s, including turning out for the Millers in the last-ever game at Sealand Road.

Also making a quicker return to an old stamping ground is Richie Partridge who left Rotherham for Chester in the pre-season. Rotherham, like Chester, are unbeaten in the league this season' and lie in fifth place having drawn their opening game at Hereford United 0-0 and followed it with a home win over Peterborough United 3-1 and a 2-2 draw with Stockport County.

Ahead of his return winger Partridge said: “It will be our toughest game of the season so far I’d imagine. We’re a good team and they’'ll do well this season. I know the ground and the fans and they’ll be right behind Rotherham and they’ll make it as hard for us as possible. It will be good to go back and interesting to see how we fare because they are not a bad side.”

The two teams haven’t met since the 1999/2000 season when the Yorkshire side did the double over the Blues winning 4-0 at home and 2-0 at Deva Stadium.

• Our last visit to Millmoor

DUO DEPART ON LOAN
Chester have sent two players out on loan on the eve of the ransfer deadline. Defender Ashley Westwood has joined League One side Port Vale until January. Also departing is midfielder Dean Bennett who has moved to Blue Square National side Kidderminster Harriers for three months. Two other players who don’t currently feature in manager Bobby Williamsons plans, Simon Marples and Sean Hessey may also be fixed up with clubs today.

30 August 2007
ROTHERHAM TICKETS
Chester have a quantity of tickets for Saturday’s game at Millmoor which can be pre-bought at a reduced rate. Tickets for the Railway End, priced at £18.00 for adults, £6.00 for juniors, and £10.00 for senior citizens and students, can be purchased from the Deva ticket office, between 10.00 and 16.00hrs. Pay on the day admission is £2.00 more.

29 August 2007
WIN FOR RESERVES
Goals from Chris Holroyd and Nathan Lowndes gave the reserves a 2-1 win over Bury at Deva Stadium this afternoon. Former City player Marcus Richardson had given the Shakers the lead early in the second half.

PLAYERS TO BE LOANED OUT?
With Friday’s transfer deadline looming it’s reported that City look poised to offload several first-teamers that manager Bobby Williamson hasn�t featured in the opening games this season. These players include transfer-listed duo Ashley Westwood and Sean Hessey as well as Phil Bolland, Dean Bennett and Simon Marples. It is believed that Droylsden are interested in taking two or three players either on loan or on a permanent basis.

28 August 2007
CITY FLYING HIGH?

City moved into second place in League Two after Saturday’s 4-0 home win over Dagenham & Redbridge. After a first half stalemate City produced some fine attacking football after the break against their newly promoted opponents. Two goals apiece from Simon Yeo and John Murphy gave the Blues maximum points to join Darlington at the top of the table.

After the game manager Bobby Williamson said: “I was a bit apprehensive before the game, because the training this week went superbly well. It makes you think, is it going to be a banana skin? But we have been professional and done the job, I didn’t envisage there being four goals in the second half but I can’t complain with the performance. We have been professional, we have done the job, and scored some good goals. So I’m obviously delighted about the result.”

City will face a sterner test on Saturday when they travel to play fifth placed Rotherham United at Millmoor.

Picture © Evening Leader

24 August 2007
DUO BACK FOR CITY?

City entertain newly promoted Dagenham & Redbridge at Deva Stadium tomorrow, kick-off 15:00hrs. Manager Bobby Williamson will be hoping to have both John Murphy and Richie Partridge back in the squad after both players have missed out through injury since the opening day of the season. Both have been training this week

The Daggers are looking for their first Football League win having lost 1-0 at Stockport County on the opening day, and being pegged back in the last minute to draw 2-2 at home against Wycombe Wanderers last Saturday. Manager John Still is expected to name an unchanged side for tomorrow�s clash.

Ahead of the match William said: “We’re at home so we won’t be sitting back. I want to see us attacking them, but we’ll guard against leaving holes in our defence. We had a great finish at Rochdale last weekend and I hope that acts as a kick-start, but we cannot get complacent because it’s only one victory.”

The two sides last met in the Nationwide Conference back in February 2004 when the Blues ran out 2-1 winners at Deva Stadium thanks to goals from Daryl Clare and Darryn Stamp.

• Our last meeting

23 August 2007
RESERVES DEFEAT
The reserves kicked off their Pontins Holiday League season with a 1-0 defeat at Accrington Stanley last night. Chester included several first teamers in their line up with Phil Bolland, Dean Bennett, Simon Marples, Kevin Sandwith and transfer-listed Sean Hessey all taking part.

MIDFIELDER COMPLETES MOVE
Chester have completed the signing of Altrincham winger Adam Walker. Walker played in a two of City’s pre-season friendly matches, and scored in the friendly game against Northwich Victoria earlier this month.

21 August 2007
JOHNSTONE’S PAINT TROPHY
The first round home gaime against League One Cheshire neighbours Crewe Alexandra will take place on Tuesday 4 September, kick-off earlier than normal at 19:15. There is reduced admission for the game with adults paying �10.00, concessions �5.00, and children �3.00.

A combined ticket covering an adult and a child under 16 years is also available for £10.00. This ticket must be purchased at the ticket office before the game on the night. This offer applies to the Liversage (West) Stand only, and is open to home and away supporters.

Note: The club have announced that the Harry McNally terrace will be CLOSED for this match. Home fans must sit the the main East stand while away supporters will be housed in the smaller West stand.

20 August 2007
CITY STEAL VICTORY

An injury time goal from Kevin Ellsion brought the first victory of the season at Rochdale on Saturday. Ellison’s wonderful strike capped a second half fightback by the Blues who had fallen behind midway through the opening period to a Simon Ramsden goal following a John Danby error. Dale, who dominated the opening 45 minutes, could have increased their lead on several occasions.

City failed to create much but leveled on 60 minutes with Tony Grant scoring his first goal for the club converting a left-wing Ellison cross. Dale looked to have scored a last minute winner themselves, the referee ruling that Adam Le Fondre’s was offside after he’d put the ball in the net. Seconds later Ellison pounced for the winner.

After the victory, Chester manager Bobby Williamson said: “It just shows that football can be a cruel game. They had the ball in the net and were celebrating before it was ruled offside. Then we went straight down the field and scored. It was a steal, to be honest.”

Picture © Evening Leader

EXILES MEMBERSHIP

The Exiles membership form for 2007/08 has been posted out to members, forms for the Prediction Competition (open to everyone) are also included with the mailing. To help with our admin we have introduced a Standing Order form option this season which take effect on 15 September and we hope will prove popular.

As you can see from the form, we’ve started our Exiles activities for 2007/8 by sponsoring Simon Marples – let’s hope he does us proud, starting with a man-of-the match performance against Chesterfield!…

If you require further copies of the forms to help with recruitment and the competition they are available in PDF format to download from here.

• Standing Order | Membership form | Prediction Competition form

Nb The membership and competition forms have two pages

17 August 2007
CITY WAIT ON DUO

Chester make the short journey to Rochdale tomorrow looking to pick themselves up following their midweek Carling Cup exit. There are doubts over John Murphy (pictured) who has a back injury, and Richie Partridge (hamstring) ahead of the Spotland clash, both missed the midweek match against Nottingham Forest. While City were losing on penalties on Tuesday, tomorrow’s opponents Dale were knocking out Championship side Stoke City by the same method.

Rochdale started their League campaign last Saturday with a 0-3 defeat at Peterborough United but will have John Doolan, Callum Warburton and Kallum Higginbotham available after suspension.

Picture © Evening Leader

JAMIE HAND JOINS IMPS

Good luck to midfielder Jamie Hand who has joined Lincoln City on a two year deal. Hand joined Chester from Watford in July 2006 and in his time with City made 51+1 appearances for the Blues scoring four goals.

Picture © Evening Leader

16 August 2007
CLUB APPOINT NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Chester Football club have today appointed Alan Middleton to the board of Chester City Football Club. He will also be the club’s Chief Executive.

He is a Liverpool based solicitor who qualified in 1983 and has vast business experience having acted for major companies and well known private individuals. He has specialist legal skills in Sports & Entertainment Law.

Mr. Middleton will join Chairman Stephen Vaughan, Managing Director Bob Gray and Secretary Tony Allan on the board of the limited company.

Picture © Evening Leader

15 August 2007
PLUCKY CITY PAY THE PENALTY

City were knocked out of the Carling Cup by former winniers Nottingham Forest a the first round stage last night, but not before matching their League One opponents for much of the game. The two sides could not be seperated after 90 minutes and half and hour’s extra time Forest won through to the second round stage following a 4-2 win in the penalty shoot-out. Goalkeeper John Danby had kept City in the tie with a penalty save from Grant Holt five minutes from time.

City were without striker John Murphy and Saturday’s man of the match Richie Partridge for the tie and manager Bobby Williamson used the occasion to play three of the younger players Paul Rutherford, Chris Holroyd and Kevin Roberts during the night and he was full of praise for their efforts.

“I was very pleased with the performances of a number of players last night, including the kids within the squad. Paul Butler showed how well he organises in defence, but James Vaughan showed he is coming on leaps and bounds, and Laurence Wilson still has a bit to do but he did well.”

Williamson added: “Young Kevin Roberts came on to replace Tony Grant in midfield, but his true position is centre half. Kevin is such a talent, he has a lot of desire, and I think he has a big future in the game, and I was proud to give him his debut. Another player who came on as a substitute and played well was Paul Rutherford. If he remains positive and keeps getting at players then he could also have a big future. And Chris Holroyd has all the ability and all the talent, and once he gets experience he should be quite a player.”

Picture © Evening Leader

14 August 2007
WESTWOOD ON TRANSFER LIST

Defender Ashley Westwood has been placed on the transgfer list after discussing his future at Chester with manager Bobby Williamson. Westwood has made 25+0 appearances for City, scoring three goals in the process since he joined in July 2006 from Northampton Town. He spent a large part of last season on loan at Swindon Town. Should he find a new club that would give Williamson room to bring in another player before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

Picture © Evening Leader

CARLING CUP
City are in first round Carling Cup action tonight as they host League One side Nottingham Forest at Deva Stadium, kick-off 19:45. The two sides last met in the FA Cup in December 2005 when goals from Ryan Lowe (2) and Marcus Richardson gave City a shock 3-0 win.

13 August 2007
OPENING DAY POINT

The Blues opened their new campaign with a 0-0 draw against Chesterfield at Deva Stadium. Both sides saw a goal disallowed and missed chances to take all three points with Simon Yeo missing a great opportunity in the dying minutes after rounding Spireites ‘keeper Roche but shooting across goal.

After the match manager Bobby Williamson said “We've got a lot of work to do. I think that showed at times. We’ve got two midfield players who like to pass the ball and we’ve got wide players who want to get on the ball and create but I thought we we’re more productive on the right hand side than on the left. If we get that balance, then I think we could be a force in this league. As long as we don’t concede goals and stay organised. In particular, I thought Paul Butler and Paul Linwood were excellent at times.”

City are next in action tomorrow night when Nottingham Forest are the visitors for a Carling Cup first round match. Kick-off at Deva Stadium is 19:45hrs.

Picture © Evening Leader

11 August 2007
JOHNSTONE’S PAINT TROPHY
The Blues have been drawn at home to League One Cheshire neighbours Crewe Alexandra in the first round of the Johnsonton’s Paint Trophy. The game is scheduled to take place in the week commencing 3 September.

10 August 2007
KIDS FOR FREE TOMORROW
The new season kick’s-off tomorrow and the club have just announced that accompanied children under the age of 12 will be admitted free to the west stand. Adults must pre-purchase their £16.00 ticket at the ticket office pror to the match for this offer. This a one child per adult deal.

CITY GO FOR EXPERIENCE

Paul Butler will captain City as they take to the field for their opening game of the 2007/08 season aganist Chesterfield tomorrow. The central defender has a wealth of experience having made over 100 appearances for both Wolves and Leeds United.

Apart from the unfortunate Glenn Cronin, manager Bobby Williamson has no injury worries as he prepared to take on a side relegated from League One last season. The two sides did in fact meet last season in the area quarter final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy which the Spireites won 3-1 on penalties after a quite remarkable game had ended 4-4 at Saltergate.

On the eve of the match Williamson said: “I’m looking forward to Saturday. We’re up for it and I’m sure Chesterfield will be. It couldn’t come quick enough to be honest. I was desperate to get back involved in football and it feels as if I’ve never been out of it, with the same old pressures every day. But it’s what I enjoy doing.”

“We’ve had a few reports on them and we’ve had videos sent through. Unfortunately the postal strike hasn’t done us any favours and things have dragged their heels.”

“History tells us that teams coming down have been right up there the following season, so we’ve received the warning, but we hope to be up there ourselves. We’ll see what tomorrow brings, but it will be a long season and I keep telling the fans that there will be good as well as bad results, but hopefully there will be more good than bad.”

Picture © Evening Leader

9 August 2007
PRESS DAY
The club held its press day yesterday and as a result player and team pictures have been updated with thanks to Rick Matthews at the Evening Leader.

• First team picture | Youth team picture | Player profiles

7 August 2007
ONE IN, ONE OUT

Chester have signed midfielder Mark Hughes on a two year contract after he impressed manager Bobby Williamson diuring the pre-season campaign. Hughes made 11+2 appearances last season for Stevenage Borough. Making way for Hughes is forward Lee Steele who has been released from his contract. It's reported that he may join Northwich Victoraia in the next day or so.

Second half goals from Simon Yeo, Adam Walker and a fine effort from Paul McManus gave a City X1 a 3-1 victory over Northwich Victoria last night. The Vics had taken the lead through Dino Maamria just before the break.

Picture © Evening Leader

6 August 2007
A FEW QUESTIONS ANSWERED

City wrap up their pre-season campaign tonight with a short trip across the county to play Northwich Victoria, kick-off at the Victoria Stadium is 19:45.

The Blues were beaten 4-0 by Brighton on Saturday, a scoreline that flattered the League One side. Defensive lapses were to blame for at lest two of the goals which is something manager Bobby Williamson hopes to put right tonight.

Williamson said after the defeat: “In a way I am glad the game came now, because it answers a few questions about certain players for me. We weren’t four goals inferior to them, but there are a number of things to work on.”

The Blues kick-off their League Two campaign on Saturday with a home match against Chesterfield, the Spireites were relegated from League One last season.

3 August 2007
SEAGULLS IN TOWN

The Blues pre-season campaign continues tomorrow when they entertain League One side Brighton & Hove Albion at Deva Stadium, kick-off 15:00hrs.

With the other two fixtures against Raith Rovers and Greenock Morton postponed due to the weather, this will be the first and only chance City fans will have of seeing their new-look side at home before the new season opens on 11 August with a visit from Chesterfield.

The Seagulls will provide the toughest opposition so far and manager Bobby Williamson is not too concerned abiout the scoreline. He said: “I’m sure Brighton will give us a test which is just what the players need. I’m not too concerned about what the scoreline will be as long as we come through the game without picking up any injuries. I’d like to see the players work hard like they have been doing. We have shown a little bit of rustiness in a few of our matches so far, but we should improve as we near the start of the season.”

Only the East stand seating will be open for tomorrow’s game and admission will be £13.00 for adults, £8.00 for concessions and £3.00 for under 16s.

2 August 2007
CITY WARNED OVERY SALARY LIMIT

The club have been informed by the Football League that they have already exceeded their approved salary cap limit for this season. The Club are given a wage capping limit of 60% of turnover for players. Manager Bobby Williamson will not now be able to sign any more players until others have left.

Both Lee Steele and Sean Hessey are currently on the transfer list as the club prepares to address the situation. Chairman Steve Vaughan said: Vaughan continued: “We would like to sign the former Tottenham and Oldham player Mark Hughes, but until we have made room in our allowable financial budget we could be precluded from doing so.”

1 August 2007
CHRIS ON THE MARK AGAIN

Chris Holroyd took his pre-season goal tally to four with a brace against Vauxhall Motors last night. Further goals from Kevin Ellison, Jamie Hand and trialist Mark Hughes saw City continue their unbeaten build-up with a 5-1 win against the Motormen. Dungannon-born Hughes, who has played previously at Tottenham Hotspur, Oldham Athletic and Northampton Town, impressed manager Bobby Williamson who said: “I think Mark Hughes did really well. He worked hard and scored a good goal. I felt he showed desire to go forward and I felt the two midfield players linked up reasonably well. It was good to see the two midfielders knocking the ball about, and getting back to work hard whenever Vauxhall had the ball.”

City are next in action on Saturday when they face tougher opposition in League One side Brighton & Hove Albion. Kick-off is 15:00. Their pre-season comes to an end next Monday night with a match at Northwich Victoria (19:45).

Picture © Evening Leader