16 August 2011
MOTORBIKE STARS SPONSOR FORMER PLAYERS
Two of Chester’s biggest stars from the world of motorbike racing have linked up to support Chester City Former Players Association.

Charlie Williams and Bill Smith, both former Grand Prix competitors and winners at the Isle of Man TT races, are to sponsor the Association’s newsletter for the next 12 months.

The two now run successful motorbike businesses in the city. Charlie owns the bike kit and parts suppliers Everything But Bikes in Trafford Street and Bill’s motorbike showroom Bill Smith Motors is a well-known landmark on Tarvin Road.

The move reflects the affection both men have for their hometown football team.

Charlie Williams said: “I was never a big football fan but my father was passionate about Chester. Our house in Kelsall was painted blue and white because those were Chester’s colours. My dad used to take me down to Sealand Road in the 1960s when I would watch Gary Talbot play. We went every Saturday without fail – first team and reserves, often riding in on his motorbike with me on the back.

“So for me this sponsorship is partly about nostalgia, and also about putting something back into the football club. The resurrection of the club recently has been great to see and in fact I took my two grandsons Charlie and Louis down to a game last season and was delighted to see the enthusiasm there, especially from the youngsters.”

Bill Smith said: “I’ve lived in Chester all my life and I’m a Chester fan through and through, as was my father and his father before him. I used to go in the 1950s when my brother-in-law Keith Griffiths played in goal for Chester. I can remember Billy Foulkes and Tommy Astbury, Trevor Walters and Dave McNeil. They were real characters and we used to get gates of eight to ten thousand at Sealand Road. And the way things are going now, I can see big gates coming back.”

Gary Talbot, president of the Former Players Association, said: “It is wonderful that these two big names from another sport have such warm memories of watching Chester in their younger days. Their support will enable us to print our newsletter in colour which will maximise its impact with our members and supporters of the club generally.”

Copies of the latest newsletter are on sale at the club shop at the Exacta Stadium.


Bill Smith, Gary Talbot and Charlie Williams.

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8 June 2011
GOLF DAY
Several players took part in the Former Players Association’s first golf event at Eaton Golf club today. Pictured are Graham Abel, Derek Draper, Ken Roberts, Alan Tarbuck, Gary Talbot, Grenville Millington and Bob Delgado.

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16 May 2011
SURPRISE FOR VETERAN FAN DOMINIC LALLY

Veteran Chester FC fan 90 year old Dominic Lally from Mynydd Isa was delighted to receive a signed Chester shirt from Association members Grenville Millington and Alan Tarbuck. Dominic saw his first game in 1929 at the age of eight and has been a fan ever since. His favourite player was 1930’s legend Fred Bennett and his favourite game was the 3-0 cup victory over the League champions Leeds United in 1974, he says “it was an amazing game because Chester won it so easily.” Other memorable games were Chester’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United in 1965 and the draw with Chelsea in 1952. Dominic played himself as a goalkeeper for Cestrian Alex and later became a referee and trained with Chester FC in the 1960’s who “welcomed me with open arms.” He also had trials for the armed forces team in Italy in 1943. Grenville and Alan are planning to invite Dominic as a VIP guest at the club in the new season. Picture © Evening Leader

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4 May 2011
LATEST COMMITTEE MEETING
The committee met at the Cheshire View on Wednesday May 4th. In attendance were Gary Talbot, Grenville Millington, Alan Tarbuck, Bob Delgado, John Evans, Chas Sumner and Charlie Lambert, with apologies from Graham Abel. It was the first meeting since Chester FC clinched the Evostick North Championship. Grenville Millington put on record the Association's delight at the outcome of the new club's first season. We will be writing to the club formally to pass on our congratulations.

Great news reported by Chas Sumner was that membership currently stands at 105, with others waiting to have their membership confirmed. Plans to hold a Christmas event open to the public were reviewed in the light of the football club also deciding to hold a major event around Christmas time.

The opinion was that having two such events at around the same time would not be constructive and we will therefore look to rearrange our event for a date in the autumn. Our first Golf Day will take place at Eaton GC on Friday July 8th. This is open to members only. Cost is £35 - any member wanting to play should send a cheque payable to Chester City Former Players Association to Chas Sumner or Alan Tarbuck to secure their place. Numnbers are limited to 20, first come first served.

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27 March 2011
COMMITTEE MEETS
The committee met at the Cheshire View on Wednesday March 16th. Alan Tarbuck reported that he and chairman Grenville had been to see Trevor Storton who was suffering from cancer and described how delighted Trevor was to see them. This has since been put into a different perspective by the recent tragic news that Trevor has died. Grenville paid a warm tribute to his ex-team-mate in an interview with the Chester Chronicle.

The FPA was represented by John Evans and Dennis Reeves at the funeral of another Chester defensive stalwart John Butler, in Nottingham.

On a happier note the committee approved plans for the various sporting and social events which we’ve been organising for 2011. Several dates are now on the calendar including our Spring Sociao on March 31st at Chester Boughton Hall Cricket Club, Golf Day at Eaton GC on July 8th, and an Autumn Social at Chester Boughton Hall on September 15th. Bolton Wanderers have accepted our challenge to a bowls match on a date to be agreed and we hope to have another bowls event with the supporters. Any former player who would like to play in the golf or the bowls, please contact Chas Sumner chas.sumner@formerchesterplayers.com

Former players are also invited to attend Chester FC’s home game on April 9th v Cammell Laird. The club is making this a special occasion to honour past players and hope as many as possible will go along. Please let Chas know if you’d like to be there.

Chairman Gren announced that he wanted us to recruit 10 new members in the next ten days as we continue our push towards 100 members. These notes are being written 10 days after the meeting and in the meantime 11 new members have signed up! Great result!

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10 February 2011
COMMITTEE MEETS
The committee met on January 19th. Bob Delgado and Graham Abel were formally co-opted onto the committee. Plans for a series of social and sporting activities were discussed. It is hoped to finalise dates in the near future. Alan Tarbuck said that plans were under way at Chester FC to invite a lot of former players to the home game versus Harrogate Railway Athletic on March 26th.

The FPA's second newsletter has been published. The chairman, Grenville Millington, asked that the committee's appreciation be recorded of the work of Charlie Lambert and Steve Mansley in putting it together. Both Grenville and Gary Talbot are present in the boardroom and Legends Lounge on most home matchdays, assisting Alan Tarbuck in meeting and entertaining match sponsors. Chas Sumner reported that he had assisted a Bristol-based journalist to contact Jimmy Humes and Hugh Ryden for a series of articles about former players at Bristol Rovers where they both played before joining Chester. The articles had been published in the Sunday Independent with a complimentary reference to the FPA.

Next committee meeting will be in March.

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27 November 2010
PAUL RAYNOR and JOHN BUTLER
The Association was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul Raynor from cancer at the age of 53. A Chester fan as a boy Paul achieved his dream by making his debut for the club at the age of 17, going on to play 230 times in two spells at Sealand Road. After retiring he moved to Nantwich and joined Cheshire Constabulary. The FPA sends its condolences to Paul’s wife Sue and their two children.

We have also lost John Butler, one of the stalwarts of the Chester team of the 1960s. John was 73. He played 220 times at centre-half for the club between 1962 and 1968, scoring twice. John was a member of the Former Players Association. We send our condolences to his family.

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25 November 2010
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The first AGM of the CCFC Former Players Association was held on Wednesday November 24th 2010 at the Cheshire View.

Present were: Gary Talbot (president), Grenville Millington (chairman), Alan Tarbuck (treasurer), Chas Sumner (secretary), Charlie Lambert (media officer), Bob Delgado, John Evans, Dennis Reeves, and Mickey Fields. Apologies were received from: Bobby Hunt, Peter Greenwood, Eddie Rampling, Terry Owen, Reg Barton and John Butcher.

Grenville opened the meeting by making everyone welcome and reflecting on how far the FPA had come in its first 12 months. To have recruited 64 members and organised three events was an excellent start. He compared it with the simultaneous progress made by the football club itself and emphasised what a fine job the board and staff at Chester FC are doing. The matchday experience these days is a delight, he said. He added that it was wonderful for ex-players to be made so welcome at the football ground, instead of being shunned as at certain times in the past.

The re-election of officers was proposed by Bob Delgado, seconded by John Evans and carried unanimously.

Grenville reported that membership stood at 64 and he wanted to build on that in the coming year. The meeting agreed to aim for a figure of 100 members by the next AGM.

Members expressed the desire to build up the association’s funds so that financial help could be offered to former players who need a helping hand. At the moment we are not in a position to make the sort of grants that the likes of Everton's former players association do. Grenville pointed out that there are other ways in which we can give ex-players a boost. Simply letting them know they are not forgotten can work wonders. The association will be sending ‘get well’ cards to members Bobby Hunt and Hugh Ryden who are recovering from operations.

The meeting recorded its deep sadness at the untimely death of Paul Raynor. Most of those present knew Paul personally. The association sends its deep condolences to Paul’s family.

There was discussion about events which might take place in 2011. It was agreed to draw up a schedule for the year in the next few weeks, and this would form the basis of an annual series of events.

Alan Tarbuck submitted his treasurer’s report which recorded a surplus at the bank of £510.60.

In closing the meeting the chairman thanked everyone for coming and speculated as to where both the FPA and the football club might be in another 12 months’ time.

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3 August 2010
EX-PLAYERS TAKE UP BOWLS
It’s a whole new bowl game for Chester City’s ex-players!

The Former Players Association has called up a team with a difference to take on a supporters’ team at bowls on Sunday. (August 8th).

The match will take place at the Cheshire View, Plough Lane, Christleton, CH3 7PT, starting at 2pm.

The footballers will be captained by former striker Alan Tarbuck who said: “It doesn’t matter whether the sport is bowls or football, there is still a competitive buzz. The lads are all looking forward to this.”

Tarby’s line-up includes some of the most popular players to wear the Chester colours including Dai Draper and Grenville Millington from the legendary 1974-75 promotion and League Cup semi-final team, flying winger Ian Moir who starred in the late 1960s, and winger Elfed Morris and goalkeeper Dennis Reeves of the much-loved team from the mid-sixties.

Other ex-players who will be demonstrating their skill on the bowling green include Ray Carter, Bob Delgado and Bobby Hunt.

Alan said: “There will be a fair amount of nostalgia and reminiscences about past football memories and I’m hoping members of the public will come along and meet the players who played for Chester at different times.

“There’s also a lot to talk about in the present day. We are all delighted by the terrific progress being made by the new Chester FC.”

All spectators are welcome – admission free.

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27 July 2010
TARBY ON BOARD
FPA committee member Alan Tarbuck has taken on another responsibilty. Alan has been elected to the board of the new Chester FC and attended his first meeting last night.

The ex-Chester striker will ensure that the club’s former players have a high profile as the supporter-owned set-up continues its welcome process of building bridges with all parts of the football community.

The FPA is delighted that two other committee members contributed significantly to the fund-raising event held by City Fans United at Chester Racecourse. Gary Talbot’s photo of the Famous Five, signed by all five members of the celebrated 1964-65 forward line, raised £1,050. And Chas Sumner’s club history ‘On the Borderline’, signed by Chas and many ex-players, raised £260.

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19 July 2010
CONGRATULATIONS BILLY!

Our most senior member Billy Windle has reached a notable milestone – his 90th birthday! Billy played for Chester from season 1951-52 to 1954-55, making 127 League appearances and scoring 20 goals. “Wee Willie” Windle played on the left wing and featured in both our famous FA Cup matches against Chelsea in 1952, setting up the first goal in the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Billy still lives in Chester and FPA treasurer Alan Tarbuck dropped in to congratulate him on his big day. Many happy returns Bill from all the Former Players. Picture by Rick Matthews

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6 May 2010
EX-PLAYERS WELCOME DEVA DECISION
Chester City Former Players Association welcomes the decision by Cheshire West and Chester Council to award tenancy of the Deva Stadium to City Fans United. We believe this is the correct decision.

We support the fans' ambition to create a progressive, community-orientated club. We look forward to forming a positive relationship with the new club.

As players who wore the shirt with pride we were dismayed by the problems over the last few years ending in the sad day when the club was wound up.

We now want to congratulate CFU and Cheshire West and Chester Council for the way they have worked constructively to restore football to the city and wish City Fans United and everyone involved every success.

Grenville Millington – Chairman

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27 March 2010
A BIG THANK YOU
Following the demise of Chester City FC the players who wore the blue shirt with pride over decades of footballing history want to thank the fans and the public for their magnificent support. On behalf of them all the club’s Former Players Association issues this statement.

There are literally hundreds of players who have represented Chester City FC over many generations. At this sad time when the club has disappeared we want to say a big thank-you to everyone who supported us. Fans, the public of Chester, colleagues, the staff at the club, the people who helped in a voluntary capacity – you all helped us achieve our dreams of playing professional football. Without you, we wouldn’t have had our careers. Many of us were encouraged to keep our careers going despite setbacks with form and fitness. The way fans got behind us when we were fighting back after injury is something that still means a lot. The supporters who followed us to away games have a special place in our memories. We would see them at places like Torquay and Exeter and their loyalty always inspired us.

Many of us are local lads, born and bred in or close to Chester. We followed City as fans when we were young. When we went on to wear the shirt ourselves the support we got was unbelievable. Many of us have fond memories of Sealand Road where we seemed to be so close to the crowd and had a great rapport. A lot of us don’t come from Chester but moved here to join the club. In many cases this changed our whole lives – we stayed, put down roots and we still love it when people come up and talk to us about the “old days.”

We are devastated by the way the club ended but now we are all trying to be positive about the future of football in Chester. The present-day supporters are incredible, the way they are working. We support the initiative of City Fans United to set up a new club and wish them every success. There is a horizon, and there are brighter days beyond it. For now, we thought it was the right time to say thank you, on behalf of all the past players of Chester City FC.

Gary Talbot – President
Grenville Millington – Chairman
Alan Tarbuck – Treasurer

Chester City Former Players Association www.formerchesterplayers.com

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5 February 2010
GREEN LIGHT FROM THE OTHER BLUES
Laurence Lee, chairman of Everton FC’s Former Players Foundation, has given the Chester City FPA his full backing.

Laurence attended this month’s meeting of the Chester FPA committee and said: “I think it is terrific that Chester’s ex-players have set up an association. They have my full support and if I can help in any way, I will.”

The Everton FPF is the leading club organisation for former footballers in the UK. Laurence passed on a lot of valuable advice and was impressed by the progress made by his Chester counterparts in the six months since we formed the FPA.

Coming up in 2010 will be the launch of a printed newsletter, our second social evening for members, and sports activities which are likely to include a football match and a bowls event.

Meanwhile the committee is finalising the written constitution of the FPA.

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15 January 2010
NEWS ON RON DAVIES
Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler has recently been in touch with the Former Players Association and sent this email:

Hi Chas

You might remember that I am Chester born, and in visiting my family in Tattenhall and Christleton, saw a fair bit of my hometown team when I was growing up.

It goes without saying that I have been distraught at the recent history of the club.

I was very pleasantly surprised to hear of your work with a former players association and as a devotee of the 64-65 camapaign delighted that Gary Talbot and Hughie Ryden were at your Xmas bash. I have also noticed that Elfed Morris is winning awards as a groundsman like he used to win those far post headers!

The main reason for writing is that just before Christmas I had a long phone conversation with Ron Davies – my all time hero. He is living in New Mexico and has sadly just lost his wife. But he sounded in good spirits nonetheless and the quality of his life has been improved by hip replacements paid for by Southampton fans. We talked about his early times at Chester and he still pays tribute to Bill Lambton making him train with army boots on so that when he put his football boots on he felt so light and was so good in the air.

He said he still has two sisters living in North Wales, and his brother Paul who played for Arsenal is still around. Southampton want him to come over for a reunion but there are no definite plans.

I intend to keep in touch with Ron, and I will find out if he has an EMail address so that you can make contact.

Meanwhile best wishes to you, Chas, and FPA.

Martin Tyler

EVENTS

12 December 2009
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Chester City’s ex-players put the current woes of the club behind them when they got together for a pre-Christmas celebration.

It was a chance to remember happier times at an event organised by the recently-formed Chester City Former Players Association.

One of the key principles of the Association was underlined as the gathering included players who had made hundreds of appearances for the club – and another who had made just one!

Anyone who has represented the club in a first team fixture is eligible to join the FPA.

Denis Burke, a goalkeeper who turned out on one occasion in season 1983-84, travelled from his home in Birmingham to link up with the likes of Grenville Millington who made over 300 appearances and Terry Owen who made nearly 200.

Other ex-Blues in attendance at the Cheshire Cat near Christleton were Gary Talbot, John Evans, Ray Carter, Hugh Ryden, Bob Delgado, Alan Tarbuck and Bobby Hunt.


Hugh Ryden, Bobby Hunt and John Evans enjoy the Christmas celebrations.

The FPA’s aim is to bring ex-players together for social and charity events, and to provide a focal point for fans to contact and honour their former heroes. Chairman Gren Millington said: “I would urge any ex Chester player to join. If anyone knows one of our former players who may not be aware of the association, please tell them about it.”

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For any queries please email chas.sumner@formerchesterplayers.com