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TRIPLE CROWN A celebration of a third title-winning season for Chester FC
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Behind every great team are great supporters Congratulations to all the people who have been part of the success of Chester Football Club.
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Exclusive: This beats all, says skipper
My home pride T
here was part of me that thought maybe we would have a season of consolidation and possibly push for the play-offs.
But we’ve flown through the league and it’s been absolutely fantastic. After 10 games we were off to a flyer and all of a sudden I thought, ‘we’re in with a really good chance of winning this’. Every year we’ve improved as a team and the lads have improved. But the team spirit has always been great. Every year we’ve had good lads and if we all come across as mates, that’s because we are. I think that in any season you will always win some points if you are as close-knit as we are. I’ve been here for the full three years and I’m feeling good and feeling fit. I’ve had a couple of niggling injuries – I’ve got one now – but it’s been a good year for me personally as well. This is the highest level I’ve been at and I’m made up with the way I’ve performed. I think I’ve performed steadily – consistent without pulling up any trees. To be fair to Neil he keeps you on your toes. No matter what position it is he always tries to freshen it up. And with me getting a little bit older now I’ve got to keep working hard and keep myself ticking over to keep fit. Wherever I’ve been I’ve not moved about a lot. I’ve always tried to stay at a club for a while and these last three years have been great. I’m out of contract and hopefully me and the club agree something because I’m really looking forward to next season. As non-league player the Conference is the level you all want to play at. It’s a big commitment as it’s not just as straight forward as ‘I’ll sign’. You’ve got to talk it through with your family and your work because there’s so much travelling.
CAPTAIN MARVEL:
But I’m excited about pitting my wits against full-time teams every week. It’s exciting for the club, the community and the city to be in the Conference – as Youngy said recently, it’s like the old Fourth Division. You look at the clubs in there and you think this is where a club the size of Chester belongs at least. I’m very proud to captain my hometown club. You go around the city and see people you know and on a daily basis they come up to you and say how made up they are about the team. This title is the best one yet.
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Supported by The Paul Wheelock awards
Player of the season
GEORGE Horan. If there were questions over whether the captain could make the step up, he answered them in emphatic fashion. The centre-back was brought back into the side after the FA Trophy debacle at Worksop Town – and he has stayed in it ever since. Inspirational.
Goal of the season
ANTONI Sarcevic has many a memorable strike to his name this season. But nothing encapsulated his pace, power and finesse better than his breathtaking solo effort at Colwyn Bay. No wonder a clutch of Football League clubs are looking very closely at the midfielder.
Match of the season
SUCH has been Chester’s total domination of the division, edge-of-your-seat thrillers have been few and far between. So September’s 2-1 league victory over FC Halifax Town stands out – two teams at the top of their game going full pelt at a fever-pitch Exacta. Oh, and Jamie Rainford missed a sitter to equalise too.
The unsung heroes TEAM EFFORT:
Third time ‘lucky’
N
OT only is he a good manager, he’s a lucky manager too....
Those are the words of a Colwyn Bay supporter I spoke to on the day Neil Young left the newly promoted North Wales club to take over the newly formed Chester FC three years ago. He felt Young must be ‘lucky’ because glory had followed him wherever he went – from the fields of Wirral in the Birkenhead Sunday League, to Poulton Victoria, Cammell Laird, Rhyl and the Bay. And you know what? Young is lucky – but not in the conventional sense. He is lucky that he has such a loyal, dedicated and able coaching staff – unsung heroes like Alex Hay and Jimmy Soul who put in countless hours for no great reward. He is lucky that he has a family and an employer in Merseyrail who have allowed him to devote so much time to the club. And he is lucky that he has had players throughout his tenure – from Michael Wilde to Matty McNeil to the enduring George Horan – who have been willing to go the extra mile for him. But there is absolutely nothing lucky about what he has achieved as Chester manager. Three titles and promotions in as many seasons and a win record of 73% do not come about because of good fortune – they come about because of hard work and preparation, an ability
Comment by Paul Wheelock
and willing to evolve, plus no little skill. Young has made a mockery of those who claimed before his second and third seasons at the Exacta Stadium that he may have ‘found his level’. True, he had never managed above the Northern Premier League First Division before. But his response to the doubters could not have been more emphatic, the Blues winning last season’s championship by 17 points and this season’s by 16. But unless Young and his trusted assistant Gary Jones can truly work miracles, title number four will not follow next season in the Conference Premier. How could it when Chester will be operating in a division in which the top clubs will have three, four or even five times as big a budget? Young is concerned by this. Not that his team will be unable to compete – he is quietly confident they will survive and, if further funds were to become available, possibly make a push for the play-offs. But should they fail to continue the success that Blues supporters have grown accustomed to since the club’s reformation, he fears the pressure will firmly be on him. That would be grossly unfair. But that possibility should be one of the key reasons behind why the club is
currently looking to extend his contract. His current deal runs out next summer and he has to inform his employers Merseyrail – from whom he is halfway through a two-year sabbatical – by January of his intentions. Young wants to stay as a full-time manager but to do that he needs security – a security he deserves. Long-term contracts carry a certain risk and because the new-look board – led by chairman Tony Durkin and financial controller Laurence Kirby – has just about worked its way through a set of accounts that were in a mess midway through the financial year, any new deal would have to be good for the club too. Sustainability, above all else, is paramount.
Young understands that – and he understands that the club is not in a position to make the next step yet. But he does not want a longer contract for security alone. Fiercely intent on maintaining and strengthening the reputation he has built, he would want any new deal to come with a guarantee that the club – whose financial footing is getting sounder by the day – could match his ambition of one day leading the Blues back into Football League. And make no mistake, Young is ambitious. It accounts for the cold-hearted and methodical way he has ripped apart two – and who knows, possibly three – championship-winning teams. He knows only too well that releasing players as loved as Wilde, Chris Simm and Iain Howard will win him no favours with the fans. But personal acclaim has never been his major motivation. His major motivation over these past three unforgettable years has been the progression of the club, a club whose community and family-orientated ethos he has bought into wholly. Witness the way he stayed out on the pitch long after the Conference North title presentation at the end of the Solihull Moors match last month, signing as many autographs and having as many pictures taken as he could. Not many managers would do that. Likeable but ruthless, he is the perfect mix for Chester. They are lucky to have him.
JOHN Danby and Paul Linwood. Models of consistency, the former Chester City duo – with hundreds of Football League appearances between them – are clearly playing below their level. Centre-back Linwood is signed up for next season – crucial goalkeeper Danby is too.
Best ground visited
THE likes of Worcester City’s soon-to-be demolished St George’s Lane are grounds time forgot – and all the better for it. But it has to be FC Halifax Town’s Shay. A mixture of historic and modern, the view from the new and imposing East Stand will take some beating.
.. and the best pie
NOT Chester’s that’s for sure! All the pies I’ve eaten this season – and there’s been a few – pale in comparison to the super-size meat and potato effort Witton Albion served up before the Cheshire Senior Cup final. It took me 20 minutes to finish – not helped by the fact that the injured Ben Mills sitting next to me spent the entire time saying, ‘go on Wheelnut, give me a bit of that’. No chance Ben.
Record breakers
Chester FC tore the Blue Square Bet North record books to shreds in 2012-13. The brilliant Blues now hold the record for: n Most points 107 n Most goals 103 n Most wins 34 n Fewest defeats 3 n Longest unbeaten run 30
Making a difference Providing opportunities for local people and creating places where people are proud to live. For more information call
0808 100 7701
www.sanctuary-group.co.uk
Chester & District Housing Trust Limited is part of Sanctuary Group
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Chester FC: Winners again
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Chester FC: Winners again
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When all is said .and done AUGUST
“I’d say Halifax, in terms of their budget and where they’re at in terms of their players, are the team to beat.” Boss Neil Young was quick to identify Neil Aspin’s Shaymen as the major threat to the Blues’ bid for a third successive league title.
COUNTY BOUNTY:
“Our lads were fantastic from the first minute to last. I don’t think John Danby had a save to make.” Chester kicked off life in the Blue Square Bet North division with a 1-0 victory at Oxford City, drawing praise from Young.
SEPTEMBER
“I’d love to stay. I’m hopeful we’ll be able to do something.” Ben Mills, who enjoyed a prolific loan spell from Macclesfield which included a hat-trick against Guiseley, was keen to turn his temporary stay into a permanent one. “We’re not going to let a good player walk out of the door.” But Macclesfield boss Steve King made it clear that Chester would have to pull out the stops to sign Mills, who returned to Moss Rose when the two clubs failed to agree a deal. “Defensively for the whole game I thought we were awful. We were all over the place.” Young pulled no punches after watching his side’s 100% winning start to the season end with a 3-2 loss at Boston United.
MIDDLE MAN:
MAGIC MOMENT:
BENCH DUTY:
OCTOBER
“My players were absolutely outstanding.” Young could not fault his men despite seeing them knocked out of the FA Cup in a replay at Halifax. Michael Powell’s early sending off proved key. “When I read in the paper before the start of the season that the gaffer wanted me to play more central, I was chuffed to bits.” Chronicle reader and midfield maestro Antoni Sarcevic thrived in a central role after being moved in from the wing. “We’ve got off to a flyer. We’ve got no-one to worry about in the league.” With the Blues riding high in the table, keeper John Danby could smell a third title in a row.
NOVEMBER
“The first-half performance was the
worst since I’ve been at the club.” An angry Young laid into his players after they crashed out of the FA Trophy following a 2-0 defeat at Worksop.
permanent deal with Chester, but unfortunately loss of form and a bad injury conspired against him and he fell well short of his target.
“It’s a little bit like opening Pandora’s box. There’s a lot to do.” Two days after winning 4-1 at Histon to move top of the table, Young began his first day as the full-time manager of Chester FC having been granted a sabbatical by his employers Merseyrail.
“The place is bouncing. People are excited about the club again.” Defender Paul Linwood, who had tasted relegation with the old Chester City, was enjoying the ‘Exacta factor’ with the reborn Blues.
DECEMBER
“This really is a fabulous honour. I was knocked out.” A boardroom reshuffle saw businessman and lifelong Blues fan Tony Durkin become chairman of the fan-owned club. “It’s a must to get to 20 goals after the start I’ve made.” Ben Mills aimed high after signing a
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JANUARY
“I’m confident we can pull this round.” While everything was going well on the pitch, the picture was less rosy off it as new chairman Tony Durkin revealed the club was set to post losses of up to £75,000 at the end of the season. A raft of cost-cutting measures were introduced.
FEBRUARY
“The plan is to get some minutes under
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my belt, get some goals, and hopefully come the end of the season we’ll be celebrating another league title.” High-profile signing Lee Trundle arrived at the Exacta full of optimism, but found his first-team chances limited and was soon shipped out to Marine before the title was secured.
APRIL
MARCH
“I couldn’t have picked a better day to score. To get the 100th goal and the goal that took Chester up his unbelievable.” On-loan Leeds defender Lewis Turner was Chester’s unlikely title-clinching hero, scoring a headed goal in a 1-0 victory over Boston United at the Exacta to secure the championship.
“I think horse racing and spending more time with his family might be higher on his agenda.” Young laughed off reports linking the recently retired Michael Owen with a summer switch to his hometown club.
“It’s put a top hat on the season!” Not long after winning the league, the Blues beat Stalybridge 2-1 in the Cheshire Senior Cup final – adding yet another piece of silverware for proud boss Young.
“The fact that we only had 800 spectators is disgusting.” Director Bill Smith hit out at the size of the crowd for the Cheshire Senior Cup clash against Tranmere. The next day he resigned after resulting fan fury.
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“I gauge how good a season it’s been on how many times I lose my head or Youngy loses his head. We’ve only done it twice this season. Fair play to the lads.” Assistant boss Gary Jones’s laid-back demeanour was a clear indicator of Chester’s success this season.
LOAN STAR:
DARK NIGHT:
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When all is said .and done AUGUST
“I’d say Halifax, in terms of their budget and where they’re at in terms of their players, are the team to beat.” Boss Neil Young was quick to identify Neil Aspin’s Shaymen as the major threat to the Blues’ bid for a third successive league title.
COUNTY BOUNTY:
“Our lads were fantastic from the first minute to last. I don’t think John Danby had a save to make.” Chester kicked off life in the Blue Square Bet North division with a 1-0 victory at Oxford City, drawing praise from Young.
SEPTEMBER
“I’d love to stay. I’m hopeful we’ll be able to do something.” Ben Mills, who enjoyed a prolific loan spell from Macclesfield which included a hat-trick against Guiseley, was keen to turn his temporary stay into a permanent one. “We’re not going to let a good player walk out of the door.” But Macclesfield boss Steve King made it clear that Chester would have to pull out the stops to sign Mills, who returned to Moss Rose when the two clubs failed to agree a deal. “Defensively for the whole game I thought we were awful. We were all over the place.” Young pulled no punches after watching his side’s 100% winning start to the season end with a 3-2 loss at Boston United.
MIDDLE MAN:
MAGIC MOMENT:
BENCH DUTY:
OCTOBER
“My players were absolutely outstanding.” Young could not fault his men despite seeing them knocked out of the FA Cup in a replay at Halifax. Michael Powell’s early sending off proved key. “When I read in the paper before the start of the season that the gaffer wanted me to play more central, I was chuffed to bits.” Chronicle reader and midfield maestro Antoni Sarcevic thrived in a central role after being moved in from the wing. “We’ve got off to a flyer. We’ve got no-one to worry about in the league.” With the Blues riding high in the table, keeper John Danby could smell a third title in a row.
NOVEMBER
“The first-half performance was the
worst since I’ve been at the club.” An angry Young laid into his players after they crashed out of the FA Trophy following a 2-0 defeat at Worksop.
permanent deal with Chester, but unfortunately loss of form and a bad injury conspired against him and he fell well short of his target.
“It’s a little bit like opening Pandora’s box. There’s a lot to do.” Two days after winning 4-1 at Histon to move top of the table, Young began his first day as the full-time manager of Chester FC having been granted a sabbatical by his employers Merseyrail.
“The place is bouncing. People are excited about the club again.” Defender Paul Linwood, who had tasted relegation with the old Chester City, was enjoying the ‘Exacta factor’ with the reborn Blues.
DECEMBER
“This really is a fabulous honour. I was knocked out.” A boardroom reshuffle saw businessman and lifelong Blues fan Tony Durkin become chairman of the fan-owned club. “It’s a must to get to 20 goals after the start I’ve made.” Ben Mills aimed high after signing a
FIREPLACE SALE!
■ MARBLE, WOOD & STONE ■ GAS & ELECTRIC FIRES ■ HOLE-IN-WALL FIREPLACES ■ CAST INSERTS ■ INSET STOVES ■ CASSETTE FIRES ■ STOVES from 3kw to 20kw ■ ENAMELLED STOVES RED · BLUE etc.
■ SOLID FUEL FIREPLACES ■ INGLENOOKS ■ GAS STOVES ■ FULL INSTALLATION TEAMS
Ex Display Bargains in Store now
up to 70% off
....over 80 Displays
JANUARY
“I’m confident we can pull this round.” While everything was going well on the pitch, the picture was less rosy off it as new chairman Tony Durkin revealed the club was set to post losses of up to £75,000 at the end of the season. A raft of cost-cutting measures were introduced.
FEBRUARY
“The plan is to get some minutes under
STOVES FROM ONLY
£399
my belt, get some goals, and hopefully come the end of the season we’ll be celebrating another league title.” High-profile signing Lee Trundle arrived at the Exacta full of optimism, but found his first-team chances limited and was soon shipped out to Marine before the title was secured.
APRIL
MARCH
“I couldn’t have picked a better day to score. To get the 100th goal and the goal that took Chester up his unbelievable.” On-loan Leeds defender Lewis Turner was Chester’s unlikely title-clinching hero, scoring a headed goal in a 1-0 victory over Boston United at the Exacta to secure the championship.
“I think horse racing and spending more time with his family might be higher on his agenda.” Young laughed off reports linking the recently retired Michael Owen with a summer switch to his hometown club.
“It’s put a top hat on the season!” Not long after winning the league, the Blues beat Stalybridge 2-1 in the Cheshire Senior Cup final – adding yet another piece of silverware for proud boss Young.
“The fact that we only had 800 spectators is disgusting.” Director Bill Smith hit out at the size of the crowd for the Cheshire Senior Cup clash against Tranmere. The next day he resigned after resulting fan fury.
FIREPLACES FROM ONLY
£449
“I gauge how good a season it’s been on how many times I lose my head or Youngy loses his head. We’ve only done it twice this season. Fair play to the lads.” Assistant boss Gary Jones’s laid-back demeanour was a clear indicator of Chester’s success this season.
LOAN STAR:
DARK NIGHT:
Chester Fireplace & Heating Centre
MASTER MARKSMAN:
Seldom Beaten on Price Never Beaten on Quality
2 High Street, Saltney, Chester CH4 8SE Open Monday to Saturday NOW OPEN ON OPPOSITE ASDA & 9.30am-5pm WYNSORS WORLD OF SHOES WEDNESDAYS
✓ UPVC WINDOWS ✓ UPVC & COMPOSITE DOORS
✓ UPVC BI-FOLD DOORS ✓ FRENCH & PATIO DOORS
www.chesterfireplaces.com
9B CHESTER RD, ELLESMERE PORT, SOUTH WIRRAL • T: 0151 357 3141
UNIT 1, WEST FLOAT, DOCK RD, BIRKENHEAD T: 0151 653 0006
01244 678714
✓ INTERNAL & EXTERNAL TIMBER DOORS ✓ CONSERVATORIES & PORCHES
www.doorstorewirralltd.co.uk
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Behind every great team...
....are great supporters Congratulations to all the fans.
And to all the people of the city who have been part of the success of Chester Football Club.
Proud partners of Chester FC, MBNA celebrates 20 years in the UK this year. Thank you to the people of Chester, our home, for all you’ve done and continue to do to support us.