News from Deva Stadium May 2011

The club have announced that that four players have been released to find new clubs. They are Kyle Wilson (pictured), Richard Whiteside, Steven Beck and Tom Filed. Striker Scott Barlow has been placed on the transfer list, due to additional work commitments and a fee has been agreed with another club though personal terms have yet to be finalised.

Of those leaving manager Neil Young said: “I would personally like to thank them for all their efforts and commitment over last season and I could not speak highly enough of all them and wish them all well.”

More players are expected to leave Chester the the near future. Meanwhile the club have completed the signings of Chester-born Buxton striker Mark Reed and midfielder Alex Brown from Droylsden, both on free transfers. Reed is Buxton’s all-time leading scorer with 191 goals in 317 appearances for the club.

• Transfer activity

23 May 2011
HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR VICTORY CELEBRATIONS
Chester supporters turned out in their hundreds on Saturday to watch the open top bus parade through the city centre. A crowd estimated to be near a thousand were present at the Town Hall square when the bus completed its victory journey that saw it start out at the football ground before weaving its way to the Northgate, past the Town Hall and Cathedral, down St Werburgh Street and Eastgate Street and then back into Northgate Street to the Town Hall for a reception, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Chester, Eleanor Johnson.

• More photographs

Picture © Evening Leader

JONES SET TO MOVE ON

Defender Stuart Jones has been given permission to look for another club for next season.

The defender failed to hold down a regular place in the team during the second half of last season and in total made 17+4 appearances and scored four goals; two at Bamber Bridge, one at home against Skem and a crucial last minute winner at Prescot Cables on New Year’s Day.

• Transfer activity

Picture © Evening Leader

21 May 2011
BLUES SNAP UP WRIGHT
Chester have continued building fror life in the Premier League by signing FC United of Manchester midfielder Jerome Wright on a 12 month contract. Wright has been with FCUM for four and a half years and has scored 49 goals in over 200 appearances.

Manager Neil Young said: “It’s a great signing for the club, and after Jamie Rainford and Liam Brownhill already joined, this was my third target, and I’m really pleased to complete the signing of Jerome.”

LEAGUE PLACINGS ANNOUNCED
The Football Association have confirmed the teams that have been allocated places in the Northern Premier League (Evo-Stik Premier) next season as:

Ashton United
Burscough
Bradford Park Avenue
Buxton
Chasetown
Chester FC
Chorley
Hednesford Town
FC United of Manchester
Frickley Athletic
Kendal Town
Marine
Matlock Town
Mickleover Sports
Nantwich Town
North Ferriby United
Northwich Victoria
Rushall Olympic
Stafford Rangers
Stocksbridge Park Steels
Whitby Town
Worksop Town

These allocations may be subject to further change.

• League placings

20 May 2011
YOUTH TEAM ACCEPTED INTO ALLIANCE

The youth team have successfully applied to join the North West Youth Alliance Football League and will compete there next season. The team, formed with an alliance with Newton Athletic Youth FC, enjoyed an unbeaten start in their friendly fixtures towards the end of the season having won seven and drew the other of their eight friendly matches since being formed in mid January.

The league, formed in 1998, has two divisions (Premier and First) and includes teams such as FC United of Manchester, Marine, Altrincham, Morecambe and Nantwich Town.

CIVIC RECEPTION TOMORROW
A reminder that the Chester players and management will receive a civic reception at the Town Hall tomorrow. The reception, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Chester, Eleanor Johnson,will follow an open top bus parade that will begin at the football ground at 10:15hrs before proceeding along Bumpers Lane, Sealand Road, South View Road, Canal Street, Northgate Street, St Werburgh Street, Eastgate Street and then back into Northgate Street to the Town Hall for 10:40.

18 May 2011
CFU PROMOTION PARTY
Tickets are still available for the CFU promotion party that takes place at the Racecourse at 19:30hrs on Friday night. Former player Daryl Clare is the guest of honour for the night which is hosted by BBC’s Jonathan Legard. Clare will present the City Fans United Player of the Year trophy.

The evening will also include the presentation of the Players shirts to their sponsors, and also the presentation of the Away Travel Player of the Year. An auction will be held which included several match shirts two of which are match worn Chester shirts from 1977. Tickets for the event priced at £10.00 are available from the Exacta Stadium ticket office.

Food is not included in the price but burgers and fish and chips will be available at the venue.

Over 300 tickets have been sold for this, there are still some tickets left and you can now pay on the night.

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 former players 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

15 May 2011
THE SIGNINGS CONTINUE
Chester have stepped into the transfer market again to sign 24-year-old England C International Liam Brownhill from Blue Square North side Drolysden. The full back has signed a two year deal with Chester.

13 May 2011
HORAN SIGNS NEW TWO YEAR DEAL
Chester-born captain George Horan has signed a new two year contract with the Blues as the club look to push on from promotion into the Evo-Stik Premier League.

BLUES SIGN RAINFORD
The good news for Chester fans continues as Marine striker Jamie Rainford has signed a two year deal, with an option of a third year, after agreeng personal terms passing a medical tonight. Rainford scored 28 goals for Marine in the Evo-Stik Premier League last season and also had trials at League Two side Notts County.

12 May 2011
CIVIC RECEPTION CONFIRMED

The Chester players and management will receive a civic reception at the Town Hall on Saturday 21 May. The reception, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Chester, Eleanor Johnson,will follow an open top bus parade that will begin at the football ground at 10:15hrs before proceeding along Bumpers Lane, Sealand Road, South View Road, Canal Street, Northgate Street, St Werburgh Street, Eastgate Street and then back into Northgate Street to the Town Hall for 10:40.

Council Leader and CFC season-ticket holder Mike Jones told the Chester Chronicle: “The club owes its success as much to the wonderful loyalty and dedication of its directors and fans as it does to the ability of its manager and players.

“Chester has become a true community club – a club which has touched the hearts of the people of Chester. In days when top flight football seems to be dominated purely by money, the story of Chester FC is a shining example of the true meaning of the game.”

Chester FC General Manager Pat Cluskey commented, “Achievements that prompted the Council’s decision are not solely related to events on the pitch – but also the work undertaken off it by a huge number of people behind the scenes.”

“Whilst the Evo-Stik title was won at the first attempt we do not intend to rest on our laurels. We will be working twice as hard in 2011/12 to further strengthen the ties between club and community.”

“We want to ensure that as many people in the area become aware of the work that Chester FC undertakes, on and off the pitch, as it strives to climb back up the football pyramid as a true, community Club.”

11 May 2011
MATCHDAY AND SEASON TICKET PRICES ANNOUNCED
Following promotion the club have announced slightly increased ticket prices for next season. Adult matchday prices have increased by £1 on the Harry McNally Terrace, while seats have been increased by £2. Season Ticket prices have also been released, both adult and concession season tickets include three ‘free’ games.

Season tickets will be available to purchase from Tuesday 31 May with current season ticket holders in the Exacta and Centurion Community stands having until 30 June to renew their current seats for next season. After 30 June those seats will be put on general sale.

2011/12 Matchday prices:
Harry McNally Terrace:
Adults £10.00
Concession £7.00
Juniors aged 16-17 £5.00
Juniors aged 5-15 £3.00
Under 5’s are free and must be accompanied by an adult.

Exacta (Main) Stand, and Centurian Community Stand:
Adults £12.00
Concession £8.00
Juniors aged 16-17 £5.00
Juniors aged 5-15 £3.00
Under 5’s are free and must be accompanied by an adult.

2011/12 Season Ticket prices:
Harry McNally Terrace:
Adults £180.00
Concession £126.00
Juniors aged 16-17 £75.00
Juniors aged 5-15 £30.00 (with replica shirt £50.00).

Exacta (Main) Stand, and Centurian Community Stand:
Adults £216.00
Concession £144.00
Juniors aged 16-17 £75.00
Juniors aged 5-15 £30.00 (with replica shirt £50.00).

10 May 2011
BLUES CLOSE IN ON STRIKER
Chester have agreed terms with Marine for striker Jamie Rainford. The 23-year-old striker scored 28 goals for the Merseyside club in the Evo-stik Premier League last season. Chester have yet to agree personal terms with Rainford, and if that is achieved then the player will have a medical. Both parties have agreed that the fee involved remains undisclosed.

Rainford is one of four players already targeted by manager Neil Young as he builds his squad for the Premier League next season. One offer made by Chester for a central defender has been turned down.

Captain George Horan as well as fellow defender’s Michael Aspin and Chris Williams and midfielder Iain Howard have been offered new deals for next season. Howard has already agreed his deal and is due to sign soon.

8 May 2011
END OF SEASON AWARDS

Captain George Horan was voted player of the Season at the hugely successful Chester FC Awards Night hosted by BBC’s Colin Murray at the Chester Racecourse on Saturday. The award was chosen by the Chester management team.

Chester-born Horan also picked up the Players Player of the Year Trophy as well after leading Chester to the championship in their first season. The Goal of the Season was won by top scorer Michael Wilde whose diving header at home to Woodley Sports was chosen by the 400 strong audience on the night as their favourite from a shortlist of five.

The Clubman of the Year vote went to Richard Wightman who died in January. Richard, who supported the Blues all his life, was the Membership Officer with City Fans United and like many others, voluntarily gave his time and dedication to the cause and was instrumental with the setting up of our new club. His mum Lesley Gilvary picked up the award.

• More photographs

Picture © Evening Leader

6 May 2011
PRESENTATION NIGHT
There will be a great atmosphere at Chester Racecourse tomorrow night when Chester FC hold their first Presentation Night hosted by BBC’s Colin Murray. Tickets for the event sold out in a matter of hours when it was announced back at the end of january.

All of the awards are sponsored by Oswestry Printers and include the Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, Goal of the Season, Golden Boot and Clubman awards. All proceeds from the evening will go towards the newly formed Youth Team.

The event, in the Pavilion Suite at the Racecourse starts at 19:00hrs.

5 May 2011
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES
The club have confirmed the first of their scheduled pre-season friendlies, all are at home in July.

Tue 12th	Tranmere Rovers – Kick-off 19:00hrs
Sat 16th	FC United of Manchester (Supporters Direct Cup Match) – Kick-off 15:00hrs
Tue 19th	Southport – Kick-off 19:45hrs
Sat 23rd	Fleetwood Town – Kick-off 15:00hrs

4 May 2011
RELIVE THE MAGIC OF LAST SEASON

The football club have produced a superb annual to commemorate their first season entitled “Chester FC 2010-11: A Club Reborn” which will go on sale next Monday morning, from 10.00hrs, priced at £9.99. The book contains, amongst other things, photographs and reports from every league game played in the championship season.

The annual is also available in the souvenir section of the online club shop, there are two entries for either mainland or overseas postage, please choose carefully.

• Buy online

CHRONICLE SPECIAL
The Chester Chronicle have produced a 20 page Chester FC championship special supplement which will be on sale from tomorrow. The supplement will feature exclusive interviews with the Neil Young, Jonathan Legard, Charlie Lambert, Pat Cluskey, Jeff Banks, and MOTD2 presenter Colin Murray and an in-depth season review.

• View the supplement

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