30
April 2003
NEW CONTRACTS FOR KEY PLAYERS
City chairman Steve Vaughan
has revealed that new contracts have been agreed with
two key City players, Phil Bolland and Paul Carden. “Hopefully
the new deals will be completed in the next few days.
Both players have had outstanding seasons and they thoroughly
deserve the new contracts. We have also spoken to Danny
Collins and offered him an extension to his existing
contract, which still has a year to run.” Vaughan
told the Daily Post.
MATCH VIEWING IN LONDON
 For
those Exiled City fans who can’t get to the game
on Thursday night at Doncaster, or are perhaps in London
on business, the Exiles have arranged viewing of the
match at our now-usual venue the Famous Three Kings (F3K)
on the North End Road in west Kensington (next door to
West Kensington tube station on the District Line). We
have booked the Mezze level area to view the match. Coverage
on SKY Sports starts 30 minutes before kick-off at 19:30hrs.
The area is also booked should Monday’s second-leg
also be screened live. All are welcome but please note
that the pub has a strict over-18’s only policy.
RATCLIFFE RESIGNS
A 3-2 home defeat to Carlisle
United last night condemned Shrewsbury Town to the Nationwide
Conference next season. Manager Kevin Ratcliffe, a former
City boss, today resigned as a result. The other relegation
place will be taken by either Swansea City or Exeter
City.
28 April 2003
MATCH ON SKY
City’s play-off game
against Doncaster Rovers on Thursday will be shown live
on SKY Sports with a kick-off of 20:00hrs.
DILLEMA FOR WRIGHT
 City
will go into this week’s play-off games with Doncaster
Rovers on the back of their best performance for a while
following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Yeovil Town. A
Kevin McIntyre header five minutes from time gave City
a deserved draw at Huish Park after the Blues had fallen
behind to an early goal. Morecambe will play Dagenham & Redbridge
in the other play-off semi-final.
Manager mark Wright was understandably pleased with the performance though
admitted he now faced a dilemma: “I rest some people, then some people
come in and do well, so who do I play in the play-off's? It’s a good
problem to have – we’ve had to rest Scott Guyett and Danny
Collins who are both carrying knocks, and it’s more important when
we play Doncaster rather than anything else.
We rested a lot of key players like Danny Collins, Carl Ruffer, Scott Guyett,
Daryl Clare, Kevin Mcintyre, Ryan Sugden and Mark Beesley. I left them
all out of my starting line-up, and at the end of the day, when you rest
Shaun Carey, who was unbelievable when he came in last week, we were looking
at our game against Doncaster in he play-off’s rather that at our
match at Yeovil.”
At the other end of the table, commiserations to Nuneaton Borough and Southport
who were relegated along with Kettering Town and will be replaced in the
Nationwide Conference next season by Accrington Stanley, Aldershot Town
and Tamworth, congratulations to them all.
• Final
Conference table
26 April 2003
PLAY-OFF TICKETS
The football club have announced
ticket arrangements for the play-off matches against
Doncaster Rovers. Tickets will go on sale at Deva Stadium
from Tuesday morning at 08:00 to 13:00hrs for Season
Ticket holders only (you MUST take your Season Ticket
book with you).
They will then go on general sale from 13:00 to 20:00hrs. The ticket office
is open from 08:00-20:00hrs on Wednesday and on the morning of the match
from 10:00-13:00hrs on Thursday. Tickets for both ties can be bought at
the same time. There are 1200 terrace tickets and 300 seats at Doncaster,
Stand £11.00, £7.00 concession, £6.00 children. Terrace £9.00, £6.00
concession £3.00 children. Normal Conference prices apply to the
home leg on Monday.
TOUGH TASK FOR CITY
City travelled down to the west country today ahead
of tomorrow’s final League match of the season at champions Yeovil
Town. Yeovil are unbeaten at Huish Park this season and in recent weeks
have thrashed two of the other play-off side,s Doncaster Rovers and Dagenham & Redbridge,
on their travels. Manager Mark Wright is expected to name a strong line-up
for the game that is being screened live on SKY TV with a kick-off time
of 17:35hrs. By the end of the game of course, City will be aware of who
they will be facing in Thursday’s play-offs. Both Carl Ruffer and
Danny Collins are expected to be fit following injury.
SENIGALLIA MATCH IS POSTPONED
 Three
days after running a full page colour advert for it in the official home
match programme, the football club have decided to postpone the forthcoming
friendly game against Italian side Vigor Genitalia on 8 June. This would
have been the club’s first-ever game on mainland Europe.
The friendly, against a team from one of Chester’s
twin towns, was organised as a joint venture between the City Council,
the Football Club, and the Chester City Supporters Trust and has taken
many months of planning, and, has already seen City fans book time off
work, book air travel and accommodation etc etc.
Richard Lynes, the Supporters Trust representative
on the board at the Club put out the following statement tonight:
“I have today been
informed by the club that after discussion and reflection it has
been decided to postpone the friendly with Senigallia until a date
in July (yet to be confirmed).
The Club intend to make the trip to Senigallia
a major and integral part of their pre-season build up to what
we all hope will be our first season back in the Football League.
The club and the Supporters Trust are aware
that this will cause disappointment, inconvenience and some expense
to those Supporters who have already made plans based on the
originally confirmed dates. We sincerely apologise for this.
The Club will be making a press statement in
the next few days. I do hope that this postponement will not
prevent as many Blues fans as possible from making the trip to
support our club in Europe.”
Richard Lynes
|
Chester general manager, Dave Burford said: “Having considered all
the facts the club believe it would be to the greater good of everyone
at the club if we included the match in Italy as part of our pre-season
build-up.The club have already advised Chester City Trust of the decision,
and I�m sure most people would welcome the move of rescheduling the fixture
which was originally planned just four weeks after this season finishes.
It is important for our supporters to understand that we haven�t cancelled
the match, we�re just putting the date back to a more suitable time.”
22 April 2003
BACK TO WINNING WAYS
 Two
second half goals against Stevenage Borough were enough to give City three
points and bring to an end a week of patchy performances as the Blues played
some neat football at times (when they kept it on the ground) to move into
fourth place in the Conference.
Midfielder Shaun Carey was made captain for the day and responded by turning
in a good, busy display getting forward throughout the game. After a first-half
of few chances, City took the lead on 72 minutes after being awarded a
penalty following a foul on Ryan Sugden and doubled that lead six minutes
later when Jon Brady netted his first goal for the club from close range
following some smart work by Clare.
The Blues visit champions Yeovil Town on Saturday (kick-off
17:35hrs) before embarking on the play-off semi-final games the following
Thursday night. The opponents will not be known until the weekend, as
it currently stands it would be Doncaster Rovers.
“We fired them up and gave them a good talking
to prior to the game and the players responded in a way that I’m
extremely proud of. Each and every one of the players played well and it
was extremely pleasing. I am really proud of the players. We’ve had
to chop and change in previous games because of suspensions and injuries,
but today we bounced back extremely well.” – Mark Wright told
the Daily Post after Monday’s victory.
CARL FIELDOR-SHAW
It’s very sad to report the death last
Thursday of City’s matchday host Carl Fieldor-Shaw. Carl was a familiar
face at Deva Stadium meeting and entertaining match-day sponsors, leading
the match ball sponsors onto the pitch and was always on hand to show visitors
around the stadium. As a mark of respect, a one minute silence was held
prior to the Stevenage Borough game.
Barry Hipkiss, chairman of the official supporters club, paid tribute to
the man he has known for many years. He said; “Carl was a lifelong
fan who did a considerable amount of work for the club. Our deepest sympathy
goes to his family, there is a sad feeling around the club at the moment.
I have known Carl for a long time and he never stopped coming to games.
he will be sadly missed.”
YEOVIL TICKETS
Note that the terrace tickets bought for Saturday’s
match at Yeovil Town now have to be exchanged on the day. Go to the turnstile
designated to your ticket, and you will be met and shown round to turnstile
13 where your ticket will transferred (at no cost) for seated accommodation
in the stand, this area is entered through turnstile 12. The entire away
end of 1754 spaces has been given over to the home club. A special 64 page
Souvenir programme will be produced for the game priced £3.50.
ISA AWARDS
Scott Guyett and Paul Carden share
this year’s ISA player of the Year award. Danny Collins
won the Young Player of the Year trophy and the best goal voted
for was Paul Carden’s fine solo effort at home against
Southport. The Official and Away Player of the Year awards
will be made prior to the forthcoming play-off game.
20 April 2003
CHAIRMAN HITS BACK AT CRITICS
 Chairman
Steve Vaughan has criticised the small section of the home
crowd who barracked the players after last Saturday’s
2-2 draw with Woking. Taking a page in Tuesday night’s
match programme he said:
“We are possibly on the brink of
a small piece of history, as we embark on the Nationwide
Conference play-off competition, and we need everybody to
get behind Mark Wright and the players in a positive fashion.
Sure, it was a bad day at the office against Woking, we all
have them, but the team through in spite of all those who
continue to take every opportunity to put them down.
The individuals that I refer to know who
they are. My message is simple, if you don’t come to
the Deva Stadium to support this club and get behind the
team, then don’t come at all. There is no place for
you here.
To the great many of you that do genuinely
support the club, thankyou for helping us to get this far.
With what we have achieved, a huge challenge and opportunity
now lies before us, and whist there are no guarantees in football,
the reward could be a place back where this club belongs, in
the Football League. We all have a part determining just when
that will be.”
19 April 2003
CITY ON THE BIG SCREEN
For any Chester fans living in the
London area who can’t make next Saturday’s end
of season match at Yeovil Town, the Exiles have arranged for
it to be shown on the big screen at our now regular venue the
Famous Three Kings (F3K) pub in west London. The venue on the
North End Road is right next door to West Kensington tube station.
We’ll be meeting there from 17:00hrs onwards.
PLAY-OFF FINAL
 Play-off
final ticket details have been announced for the match on 10
May, kick-off 14:30hrs. Prices for the game to be played at
Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium are: Adults £20,
children U17 and oap’s £10. Tickets will be available
from participating clubs from 5 May.
There is also a hospitality package being advertised for £70 that
includes: match ticket, reserved parking, matchday magazine, team sheets,
four course meal, guest speaker, half-time refreshments, Pay Bar facilities
and more... (call 07904 272440 for more information).
18 April 2003
TRIO SUSPENDED
City have three players suspended for Saturday’s
trip to Nuneaton Borough. Wayne Hatswell, Carl Ruffer and Mark Quayle all
miss the trip to Warwickshire as the Blues look for their 12th away victory
of the season. The visitors could have up to four ex-City players in their
ranks, Michael Brown Steve Brodie, Stuart Whittaker and Mark Clifford.
Clifford’s only appearance for City was in the home televised game
against Barnet, while Brodie, who only made three Conference starts wit
the Blues will be presented with the Conference Player of the Month award
prior to tomorrow’s game.
Monday’s game will go ahead despite the massive fire in Bumpers Lane
this week. The fire that broke out in a scrap yard, just 100 yards from
the Deva Stadium, was one of the biggest in Chester’s history sending
huge clouds of black smoke over the south of the City as upwards of 13,000
rubber tyres caught alight. Parts of Bumpers Lane are still closed today
but the road is expected to be open for Monday.
17 April 2003
CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION REJECTED
The plan by the nationwide Conference to expand
next season to 24 teams, restricting relegation this season to just one
team has been rejected by the Football Association who, today, made the
following announcement.
The FA’s Sanctions and Registrations committee (formerly League Sanctions
Committee) met this week on the 14th April and rejected the Nationwide
Conference’s request to expand their membership from 22 clubs to
24 clubs for season 2003/04.
The Nationwide Conference’'s request was referred
to The FA’s Sanctions and Registrations committee who sought the
views of the 3 Feeder Leagues – The Ryman Isthmian League, The
Dr Martens Southern League and UniBond Northern Premier League.
Following written submissions to The Football Association
from the three Feeder Leagues, the Nationwide Conference’s request
was this week debated at the FA Sanctions and Registrations committee,
and the decision of the committee was to reject the Nationwide Conference’s
request to expand their membership for season 2003/04.
16 April 2003
WRIGHT LOOKING TO THE PLAY-OFF’S
 City
manager Mark Wright has a better idea of the side he has in mind that will
contend the play-off’s towards he end of the month following last
night’s defeat. Wright was forced to make five changes yesterday
for the side that suffered a shock home defeat to struggling Farnborough
Town. Carl Ruffer, Danny Collins, Jimmy Kelly and Mark Beesley all missed
the defeat through injury allowing the City boss to bring in other squad
players for the night, although they failed to impress the manager.
Wright told the Evening Leader: “I thought we
played some okay football, but without purpose, and it just goes to show
that those people waiting in the wings and waiting to get into the side
and compete, have done themselves no favours. Daryl Clare is not firing
at the moment – he’s still tentative with his knee, but we’ve
got to try and get him match-fit and get him through some games, otherwise
I’ll be leaving him out. All season it’s been Paul Carden
and Jimmy Kelly in midfield, but we left them out last night and at times
it showed. I brought back Chris Blackburn from his injury and we need
to get him some games so that he’s ready for the play-offs. And
for all the ability that Michael Twiss has he doesn’t do it, and
Jon Brady hasn’t done it, and Ryan Sugden didn’t do it. Our
centre forwards, who are pretty mobile and very good, didn’t create
enough against Farnborough, and that’s disappointing.
The Blues travel to play another relegation threatened
side on Saturday, Nuneaton Borough. Borough currently lie in 19th position,
one place above the drop zone (providing three go down!).
15 April 2003
CITY LOOK TO GO SECOND
The Blues face Farnborough Town tonight at Deva
Stadium (kick-off 19.45hrs) looking to improve on Saturday’s disappointing
display which brought a 2-2 draw with Woking. City will look to take advantage
of their game in hand and go three points clear into second place as Doncaster
Rovers, Morecambe, and Dagenham & Redbridge all jockey with City for
the end of season play-off positions. The Blues can be assured of another
tough game from a side struggling at the wrong end of the table, twelve
months ago we were in the same position as our visitors and the battling
qualities we showed then, we can expect tonight.
A last gasp penalty from Dave Cameron gave City victory at Cherrywood Road
when the two sides met just over two weeks ago. Joff Vansittart had given
the home side the lead before Ben Davies was on land for the equaliser
a short time later.
Mark Beesley, who hobbled off after 20 minutes on Saturday,
appears to be the only fresh injury doubt for manager Mark Wright, though
Wayne Hatswell misses the game through suspension.
Manager Mark Wright told the Daily POst: “We have
a big squad here and it is a good squad. There are a certain number of
them who are champing at the bit and I want to see competition for places.
Lee Woodyatt and Ryan Sugden are as keen as mustard to get into the action,
so that gives me options. Also Ian Joy, who is with us until the end
of the season, is anxious to show what he can do.”
Exiles living in the Surrey/Hampshire area can hear
match summaries on BBC
Southern Counties radio (around 104.6FM – Canvey Island v Aldershot
Town is the main match!)
12 April 2003
CITY SECURE PLAY-OFF SPOT
 Two
goals in the final four minutes rescued City from what seemed a certain
defeat against Woking and brought a point that guarantees them a spot in
the end of season play-off’s. A remarkable achievement given our
recent history. Carl Ruffer (left) and Michael Twiss netted for the Blues,
with Woking’s Martin Williams missing the chance to put The Cardinals
3-1 up from the penalty spot in between those strikes in an extraordinary
final five minutes. Amos Foyewa, on loan from Bournemouth for the visitors,
ran City ragged at times, scoring twice and setting up the penalty but
the Blues managed to scramble a point, and, could put themselves three
points clear in second spot with a home win over Farnborough Town on Tuesday
night.
Manager Mark Wright praised his opposite number, and
ex-playing partner after the match: “I have a great deal of sympathy
for Glen Cockerill. I though they played extremely well today and frankly
we got a point we scarcely deserved. We achieved our goal of a play-off
placing and that is extremely satisfying but for most of the time today
we weren’t at the races”.
Congratulations to Yeovil Town, this seasons Nationwide
Conference champions, they celebrated in style with a 4-0 victory at promotion
chasing Doncaster Rovers tonight.
SUPPORTERS CLUB END OF SEASON AWARDS
Chester Official Supporters Club postal voting slips
for their player of the season should reach Barrie Hipkiss at 2 Cop Cottage,
off Sealand Road, Chester, by Saturday, April 19.
ISA END OF SEASON AWARDS
If you haven't done so already, you only have two
days left to get your votes in this this season’s ISA awards, the
voting is currently to close to call:
Note: Only currently paid-up ISA members are
eligible to vote.
a) Player of the Season
b) Young Player of the Season*
c) Goal of the Season
voting can be carried out by:-
Telephone: (01244) 383475
email: Les
Smith
Post: Chester City ISA, PO Box 308, Chester CH1 5ZF
In person: on a piece of paper to one of the committee members.
Presentations will be made at the last home game against Stevenage Borough
21 April.
*Usually the young player award goes to someone
in their late teens who has broken into the first team squad. This hasn’t
happened this year so rather than omit the award we have decided to change
it this season to “Under 23 Player”. For guidance, the “youngish” contenders
are – Lee Woodyatt (19), Chris Blackburn (20), Ben Davies (21), Mark
Beesley (21), Danny Collins (22), and Ryan Sugden (22).
11 April 2003
COME AND JOIN THE PLAYERS AND CLUB OFFICIALS
IN ITALY!
|
Supporters Trust members interested
in following City on a very rare excursion into Europe on 8 June
when they play Italian Serie D team Vigor Senigallia, can pick up
a booking form in the Club Shop or from any member of the Trust Board
at tomorrow’s game. The forms should be returned to the Trust
no later than Monday, 21 April. Trust membership forms will also
be available for those not already members, join now!, annual membership
is only £5.00.
Match tickets available for TRUST MEMBERS plus
free entry to the following events:
• Civic Reception by Senigallia
Town Council on 6 June
• Beach soccer competition
on 7 June
• Party night hosted by
Vigor Senigallia on 8 June |
This is a general response to those completing
the enquiry form on the websites re: the Senigallia trip. Please
do not yet book hotel rooms as we have negotiated block discounts.
We thank you for your interest and will contact you shortly
with more details.
For more information
contact members of the Trust Board: Richard
Lynes, Graham
Ross, Bill Brookes, Lee Walton, Campbell Smith, Andy Smith, Bob Gilogly and Pauline Meakins (Chester City Exiles)
|
YEOVIL MATCH ON SKY
With people no doubt having already bought tickets,
and Barry’s coach booked, SKY TV have announced on their website
that the game at Yeovil Town will now be televised live with a 17:35hrs
kick-off. For those Exiles in the London area who now can’t make
the match (and the only train back to get in before 00.30 leaves 20 minutes
after the game!), we’re hoping to book the Famous Three Kings pub
again in London to view it.
HATSWELL OUT
![[Wayne Hatswell]](wayne_hatswell_0203.gif) Defender
Wayne Hatswell has been given a two match ban following remarks he made
to Wirral referee Steve Brand at the time of the dismissal in the home
gave with Northwich Victoria in the new year. He will be unavailable for
next week’s games against Farnborough Town and Nuneaton Borough. Following
last Saturday’s red cards, Mark Quayle will be suspended for three
matches from 19 April (subject to appeal), while Carl Ruffer will receive
a one match ban from the same date.
Meanwhile City have no fresh injury worries ahead of
tomorrow’s home game against Woking (15:00hrs). The Blues will go
second should they gain a point from the match as Doncaster Rovers entertain
Yeovil Town later at 17:35 in a televised game.
Chairman Steve Vaughan has called upon fans to turn
out in force to cheer the team to a play-off spot: “I want to see
our players and supporters turn up and enjoy themselves tomorrow against
Woking. There�s no real pressure on us because we�re looking to win three
points from our remaining five matches. But I�d love to see a big crowd
turn out for the Woking match and watch the players win a play-off place
with a win against Woking. I�d like to think we can attract crowds of
about 3,000 for our matches tomorrow, and on Tuesday at home to Farnborough
Town. We�re definitely in line for a return to the Football League and
I�d love to see our supporters getting behind the team in our remaining
games. It�s been a long haul, but I�m sure we�re due another home win
tomorrow.” he told the Evening Leader.
Exiles living in the Surrey/Hampshire area can hear
full radio commentary on BBC
Southern Counties radio (around 104.6FM)
JUNIORS SUCCESS
As Chester City’s promotion drive continues
to gain momentum, it is heartening to see that the clubs youngsters are
also doing well. The reserves and under 19 side are both enjoying useful
campaigns as are the under 8s, 9s, 11s, 12s, 13s, 14s and 16s run by Mark
Newman and his hard working staff.
Although most of these young boys are local the club
still attracts players from further afield. Youth team manager Iain Jenkins
comments “It is very important to the club that we have a well run
youth policy as this is the future for all clubs and it would be tremendous
to see some of these youngsters pulling on a first team shirt in the
years to come. Mark is anxious to see the infrastructure improve all
the time, from quality of the coaching staff through to the players involved.”
“It has been hard work but worth it and we
also have THREE age groups in the Duke of Westminster cup finals this year
at the Deva stadium” says Mark who continues “All our home games
are held at Clifton Drive which has been an excellent facility and our
thanks go out to Chester College who spend a lot of time and effort in
maintaining the pitches”. Although the club is not running a ‘centre
of excellence’ the youth policy is nonetheless of huge importance
and is supported throughout the organisation. Open trials are held on Thursday
evenings and anyone requiring further information should contact Mark Newman
on 07734 961699.
10 April 2003
YEOVIL MATCH
ALL-TICKET
As expected City’s last league
match of the season at Yeovil Town will be all-ticket. Yeovil
have only issued Chester will terrace tickets for the fixture
to be played on Saturday 26 April in front of an expected sell-out
crowd.
Tickets for the match will cost £9.00 for adults, and £5.00
for oap’s and juniors, and can be purchased by season ticket holders
only tomorrow between 10.00hrs and 16:00hrs, when season ticket books must
be shown. Tickets will then go on general sale after Chester’s match
against Woking on Saturday, then they will be sold on Monday between 10.00hrs
and 16:00hrs, and on Tuesday between 10.00hrs and 16:00hrs, and after the
Farnborough Town match in the evening. Yeovil have only issued terrace
tickets at Huish Park to City fans. Those with difficulty in standing should
contact CCFC as Yeovil say they will try and accommodate those fans in
the Yeovil seated area.
8 April 2003
CITY IN EUROPE (THE ITALIAN JOB)
Following
a lot of hard work and planning, the Chester City Supporters Trust, in
conjunction with Chester City Council and Chester City FC, have arranged
a friendly match for the first team with the Serie D Italian team Vigor
Senigallia on Sunday 8th June in Senigallia, northern Italy. Senigallia
is one of Chester’s twin towns.
All Trust members will be able to buy tickets for the
match as well as join in a programme of free events being organised for
players, officials and fans including a civic reception by the Senigallia
Town Council, a party night hosted by Vigor Senigallia, a beach soccer
competition between both sets of supporters and a ‘Fans Forum abroad’ opportunity
to meet the players and officials.
This is a wonderful opportunity to join the players
and club officials in a well deserved end of season (hopefully celebratory)
break. Senigallia is a beach resort town on the Adriatic (east coast).
Supporters can either just travel over the week-end of the events or
make the weekend part of a longer Italian holiday. Hotel accommodation
at discount rates have been secured by the Trust.
Trust members interested in joining in this trip can
pick up a booking form in the club shop from Saturday onwards or from
any member of the Trust Board. Trust membership forms will also be available
for those not already members. The forms should be returned to the Trust
no later than Monday, 21 April.
•Vigor Senigallia Website
7 April 2003
BEESLEY EDGES CITY NEARER TO PLAY-OFF’S
 City
remain in third place following their eleventh away victory of the season
in the sunshine at Gravesend & Northfleet on Saturday. Mark Beesley
scored the only goal of the game four minutes after the break slotting
home after being set up by fellow striker Mark Quayle. The game ended in
drama though with City being reduced to nine men after Mark Quayle was
given a straight red card for an alleged stamping offence, and Carl Ruffer
received his marching orders for a second bookable offence. Despite their
numerical disadvantage, City’s defence held firm, though they had
Ben Davies to thank for a goal line blockage to preserve the lead.
On the sending’s off manager Mark Wright said: “Their
centre half is willing to put in writing that the referee had a nightmare.
The referee said he sent Quayle off for stamping but Burton said ‘No
way – he fell over me.’ Carl Ruffer was a bit silly. When
you’ve been booked you can’t go in for challenges like that.
Carl knows my feelings. I’ve got no excuses for him.”
“It’s guaranteed that we’ll appeal
against Mark Quayle’s sending off. The referee will have to have
a look at it and, at the end of the day when he sees it and he sees that
our boy has done nothing wrong, and that it’s backed up by their
defender, he’ll see he’s made a mockery. There is no way
Mark Quayle stamped anyone, and there is no way there was any intent.
There was nothing in it.” Wright added.
According to soccerbase.com, Kettle has refereed nine
matches this season, issuing 38 yellow and 7 red cards.
Next Saturday the Blues look to record their first
ever win over Woking at the sixth attempt. The Cards currently lie 19th
in the Conference and were the first side to beat City on their travels
this season back in October. It remains to be seen whether Daryl Clare
and Scott Guyett, who both missed Saturday’s win, return to the side.
ISA END OF SEASON AWARDS
The time has come to select your favourite:
a) Player of the Season
b) Young Player of the Season*
c) Goal of the Season
voting can be carried out by:-
Telephone: (01244) 383475
email: Les
Smith
Post: Chester City ISA, PO Box 308, Chester CH1 5ZF
In person: on a piece of paper to one of the committee members.
Presentations will be made at the last home
game against Stevenage Borough 21 April.
*Usually the young player award goes to someone
in their late teens who has broken into the first team squad.
This hasn’t happened this year so rather than omit the
award we have decided to change it this season to “Under
23 Player”. For guidance, the “youngish” contenders
are – Lee Woodyatt (19), Chris Blackburn (20), Ben Davies
(21), Mark Beesley (21), Danny Collins (22), and Ryan Sugden
(22).
Note: Only currently paid-up ISA
members are eligible to vote.
CLOSING DATE APRIL 14
4 April 2003
CITY LOOK FOR PLAY-OFF PLACE
The Blues make their first ever trip
to Gravesend & Northfleet tomorrow looking for their fourth
win on the trot and the three points that could guarantee them
an end-of-season play-off spot if other results go their way.
Daryl Clare is fit again though manager Mark Wright may choose
to leave him on the bench as he has a full squad to choose from.
The two sides drew 1-1 on a Sunday afternoon earlier in the season
at Deva Stadium when Ryan Sugden was on target for the Blues.
“
We
need to win the bits and pieces during tomorrow’s game, and be stronger than them because
they are a big side. If we win the midfield battle we’ll
give them a game, but we’ll be expecting Gravesend to
be fighting for their lives, working hard, and trying to make
difficult for us.” said manager Wright ahead of tomorrow’s
game.
1 April 2003
WRIGHT ASSURES FANS
 City
manager Mark Wright has assured fans that top striker Daryl Clare
was left out of Saturday’s game at Farnborough Town as
a precautionary measure after he’d picked up a knock on
the knee during the previous weeks home win over Southport. There
is a slight possibility that the striker will return to the starting
line-up when the Blues travel to Gravesend & Northfleet on
Saturday.
Wright said: “I can understand our fans are concerned about Daryl
Clare being left out, but I thought Mark Beesley came in and did a good
job for us at Farnborough. We’re all hoping he can recover from his
injury, and I’d like to see him return to action this weekend. I
can’t really comment any further until I speak to the medical people
at the club who will know more. Wright added: “Daryl Clare is just
as important to us as are other strikers. Mark Quayle came in and did a
good job on Saturday, Dave Cameron came on and scored our winner, Michael
Twiss also played as a substitute, and people should remember we travelled
without Ryan Sugden. We’re missing Daryl Clare just as much as we
would any other striker at the club.”
SUPPORTERS COACH
Any Chester fans wanting to secure a seat
on the Official Supporters Club coach to Gravesend and Northfleet
on Saturday, should contact Barrie Hipkiss between 18:00-20:00hrs
tonight on (01244) 379011.
PLAY-OFF DATES
The end of season pay-off dates have been confirmed
and are as follows:
Thursday May 1 (19:45hrs, 20:00hrs kick-off for TV game) Team 5 v Team
2; Team 4 v Team 3.
Bank Holiday Monday May 5 (15:30hrs kick-off) Team 2 v Team 5; Team 3 v
Team 4.
Final – Saturday May 10 (Britannia Stadium, Stoke City, 14:30hrs kick-off).
It’s being reported that Doncaster Rovers would play their second
leg game away from home irrespective of where they finish as a home Bank
Holiday fixture would clash with a race meeting. |
MATCH OFF
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