News from Deva Stadium May 2018

31 May 2018
BLUES SIGN THREE
Chester have signed forward Matty Hughes from Chorley on a one year contract. The player has previously had two loan spells with the Blues when he scored four goals in 26 appearances during the 2014/15 season. New managers Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson have also secured the services of midfielder Gary Roberts for another season and young forward Nathan Brown.

29 May 2018
CRAWFORD JOINS NOTTS COUNTY

Tom Crawford has joined Notts County for an undisclosed fee. The midfielder signed for The Magpies on his 19th birthday after an ourstanding season where he beoke into the first team making 17 appearances and scoring one goal. His efforts were rewarded with an England C call-up at the end of the season.

Crawford told the Chester Chronicle: “It was a very tough season, one that nobody expected or thought would happen. But Chester is a massive club that I have no doubt in my mind will bounce back and I hope it’s next year. For myself, getting 17 games and a goal was special to me and I loved every minute. The Chester fans have been unbelievable, I’m so gutted with the way the season went for them. To have them every week, home and away, I've never seen anything like it. They are unique and special supporters that I had the privilege to play in front of and I won’t ever forget that.”

17 May 2018
LEAGUE AND CUP DOUBLE
The Youth team beat FC Halifax Town 3-0 in the final of the U19 National League Alliance Cup at Walsall FC to complete the league and cup double in front of a crowd of 415 including over 300 Chester supporters. Lloyd Marsh-Hughes gave Chester the lead on 16 minutes and advantage they held until Cain Noble added a second from the penalty spot on 60minutes. The victory was wrapped up in the final minute with a fine breakaway goal from Iwan Murray an effort his tireless running all night deserved.

A delighted manager Calum McIntyre said following the victory: “It is massive. It is six or seven years in the making to get to this point and if you look at the staff they are all still celebrating behind us and we have done that with volunteer coaches, a sponsored academy manager and a group of lads that just want to run around and work hard.”

“It is fantastic for everyone involved and that is as far back as Bernard Concannon and Mark Howell, Brian Burns, Mike Day and Ian Swettenham. I am delighted for everyone at the football club.”

Chester: Gale, Thomson, D.Jones, Wallis, Dobson, Downes, Hellawell, Noble, Marsh-Hughes, Murray, Hayes (Hardman 90). Subs not used: Crilly, Cottrell, S.Jones, Kendrick.

The Youth Team will be looking to complete a remarkable hat-trick on Sunday when they play Heswall at home in the North West Youth Alliance Open Cup Final. Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for children. All money taken on the gate will go to Chester FC. Kick off is 14.30hrs.

16 May 2018
YOUTH FINAL
The Youth team play FC Halifax Town in the final of the U19 National League Alliance Cup tonight at Walsall FC. The match has a 19.00hrs kick-off. Admission is £2 for adults, children under 16 are admitted free.

15 May 2018
DUO TAKE CHARGE
Chester have appointed ex-Salford City duo Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson as their new management team on two year contracts, the pair guided Salford to the Conference North title last month.

The Blues had been in talks earlier in the month with former Leeds United manager Neal Redfearn but both parties couldn’t agree financial terms.

Morley and Johnson won promotion three times in four years with the Ammies, their journey documented in the TV documentary ‘Class of 92’. Prior to the Salford job both won promotion with Ramsbottom United.

City Fans United Chairman, David Harrington-Wright, said: “I am very pleased that Bern and Jonno want to be a part of the Chester FC journey! They have a well proven track record, with the National League North title last season being the latest in a line of successful campaigns, and have an excellent knowledge of football in the North West and Under 23’s in particular that will definitely help next season.”

Following the announcement that they had joined the Blues Morley said: “We’re both extremely delighted to have joined Chester FC and cannot wait to get started in the role. We are an ambitious management team and whilst we know there are challenges ahead, we would not have taken the job if we didn’t believe that we could get the Blues into a position of challenging for promotion.”

11 May 2018
BACKER REVEALED
Local businessman Stuart Murphy has expressed an interest in donating a susbtantial amount of money into Chester FC. Murphy has sponsored the club before when his company Exacta Plc sponsored the stadium for five years from 2010. It is hoped to tie-up the deal before the end of the month.

Speaking at his press conference, Murphy said: “I’m thrilled to be able to help Chester FC - I love the city and wanted to give something back. I want to make it clear from the outset that this is not a money-making exercise.”

“Both myself and the CFU board have some really great ideas as to how we could spend the donated funds for the benefit of the club - focusing on improving the infrastructure and maximising revenue streams. Dare I say it, but there are some really exciting things in the pipeline and fans have every right to be excited with what the future may hold.”

“We don’t have a city centre location, but we can use that to our benefit and create a vibrant hub to create a real buzz around the area. I’d like Chester FC to be an exciting place for new fans to visit and crucially - a better place for existing fans to enjoy.”

“As a supporter myself, I look at the things the club do well and also what the club could do better. Last season was a tough one to take as regards the first team - but we must never forget that Chester FC is more than just the first team. Look at the brilliant work of the Academy and the Community Trust and volunteers. It's truly humbling to see how football can inspire people from all walks of life and we should never underplay the role a football club can play in the community.””

“It’s important that we keep that fire in our bellies and now focus on making Chester FC the best it can possibly be.”

10 May 2018
ASTLES JOINS SOUTHPORT

Defender Ryan Astles has turned down a new deal with Chester and joined fellow Conference North side Southport. The 24-year-old made 112+1 appearances for Chester scoring seven goals since signing in January 2016 from Northwich Victoria.

Astles told the Sandgrounders official website: “I spoke with the Board. The amibition of the club really drew me in. Seeing all the plans and what the Club want to achieve, that was one of the main things. I’m really happy to be joining the Club. Everyone here wants to be pushing for promotion. That’s the main aim. I’ll make sure I give 100% to that, getting the club back to where it wants to be. Personally for me, the aim has to be clean sheets, but we all want that promotion.”

Picture © Rick Matthews (Chester Leader)

2 May 2018
YOUNG BLUES END SEASON WITH WIN
Chester ended their dismal season with a 2-1 victory at relegation threatened Barrow. A young Chester side took a first half lead through Jordan Archer on 20 minutes before being pegged back ten minutes into the second period through a 25-yard effort from Jordan White that gave Andy Firth no chance on goal. However the impressive Tom Crawford popped up to score his first goal for the club to seal the three points for the Blues. Woking’s late home defeat to Dover sank the Surrey side and meant the Bluebirds avoided the drop.

• Final league table

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