Popular defender Chris Williams has been given permission to speak to other clubs. The young player is based in Anglesey and the tame taken travelling to and from the Island has been a major factor in the decision to let the player go. Williams played 29+6 matches for the club last season. Apparently as part of the agreement to let him leave Williams would be able to return to Chester on a free transfer in 2012. Williams told the official club website: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at Chester FC for all the support I have received, and also thank the supporters who have always made me feel welcome. I wish the club all the best for the upcoming season and hope they gain another promotion.” Picture © Evening Leader

Striker Michael Wilde is expected to be out for several weeks after fracturing a collarbone in last night’s 3-0 home friendly defeat by Conference Premier side Southport. Wilde told The Chester Chronicle: “It would be a stab in the dark if I was to guess when I’ll be back. It’s a massive blow for me personally. The excitement was building and the team was bonding well, but something like this really sets you back. But I’ve got to try to stay positive. I’ll set myself some goals and try to recover as quickly as I can, without being too hasty.” “I’m in no-man’s land. I feel rough at the moment and I don’t know which way to turn with it.” Manager Neil Young described the defeat to the Sandgrounders as the worst performance since he took the manager’s position at Chester. The Blues started brightly but the visitors soon began to dominate and opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time with a well taken goal from Matt Walwyn. Further goals from Steve Daly and Jack McCormack in the second period extended Southport’s lead and they ran out comfortable winners. Picture © Evening Leader

Striker Jamie Rainford scored on his debut as Chester scored three second half goal to eventually run out comfortable winners over Airbus UK in front of over 1,000 fans on Friday night. After a goalless first 45 minutes, Jerome Wright opened the scoring with a lob from the edge of the box. The Blues doubled their lead when captain George Horan headed home from a Wright cross on 75 minutes and the scoring was completed a minute later with Rainford converting a Michael Wilde cross from close range. Picture © Evening Leader

Chester fought back to win the Supporters Direct Cup as they overcame FC United of Manchester 2-1 on Saturday afternoon. Trailing to a first half goal from Lee Neville, the blues struck twice in the last nine minutes to claim the silverware as a stunning long range goal from 16-year-old midfielder Joe Ormrod brought the sides level before Alex Brown scored from close range to win this niggly match. Ormrod had been given his chance afatre striker Michael Wilde was asked to leave the pitch following a bust-up with FC United captain Kyle Jacobs.


Picture © Evening Leader

Chester begin their pre-season campaign with a home match against Tranmere Rovers tonight. The game kick’s-off at an earlier than normal time of 19:00hrs, admission charges are: adults £10.00, Concessions £7.00, Under 16’s £3.00.

Midfielder Robbie Booth is doubtful for the match after injuring an ankle in training while captain George Horan is expected to play some part despite picking up a head injury. New signing Jamie Rainford also misses out as the club don’t want to risk him following a minor operation in May and Ashley Williams returns from holiday today but not in time to make an appearance.

Supporters will be able to enjoy an alcoholic drink inside the stadium tonight as the club start a trial of this new venture as bottles of lager will go on sale from the kiosks inside the ground for the pre-season matches. Should the trial prove a success then it will be extended into the new season starting in August.

Blues general manager Pat Cluskey told the Chester Chronicle: "When we went away from home last season one noticeable feature was fans could have a drink while watching the game.

“At the level of football we’re playing at it is permitted until the Blue Square Premier. We’ve spoken to the licensing authority and from Tuesday we will have bottled alcohol on sale at the Exacta Stadium.”