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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?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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JAMIE HAND JOINS IMPS
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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
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16 August 2007
CLUB APPOINT NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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GAME OFF The away match at Leamington on Tuesday has been postponed. |
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LAST
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