Hartson says no

Nov 23 2007 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

CITY failed in an audacious bid to sign former Arsenal and Celtic striker John Hartson this week.

The 32-year-old is currently out of favour at West Brom and was the subject of an approach from the Blues, who were keen to sign him before yesterday’s 5pm loan deadline.

Hartson, however, was reluctant to make the move as he is not fully fit.

Blues boss Bobby Williamson said: “John is a true professional and wants to perform. When I spoke to him after he had turned down the move, he indicated to me that perhaps his fitness may not be as good as he would like and that he didn’t want to let me down by not being able to make an instant impact.”

Williamson also revealed that he tried to lure Hartson to the Deva during the summer.

He said: “I’ve been monitoring John's progress for some time and spoke to him last summer when I sounded him out about his career aspirations and how I would be more than happy to bring him to Chester at some stage in the future.”

Youths are spot on

CHESTER City will host York City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup after beating Curzon Ashton on penalties.

Their second round tie on Wednesday finished 1-1 after Curzon Ashton took the lead, only for Andy Mitchell to restore parity.

Spot-kicks were required to separate the sides and it went to sudden death, with Stephen Thorpe scoring for City to make it 5-4.

The game against the Minstermen’s youngsters must take place before Saturday, December 15.

Chester fell to a 2-1 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers in the Puma Youth Alliance on Saturday.

Crock Cronin can go

GLENN Cronin has been released by City after an injury-plagued 18 months with the club.

The 26-year-old Dubliner came to City from Exeter in the summer of 2006 but has been almost permanently injured during that time.

He began to work his way back into the side towards the end of last season and featured for new boss Bobby Williamson during pre-season, only to break a metatarsal in training.

Following talks between the player and the club this week, a financial settlement has been agreed to allow him to move on.

City chairman Stephen Vaughan said: “Unfortunately, Glenn was extremely unlucky with injuries during his time with us, and as such we didn’t see the best of him.

“Despite his injury setbacks, Glenn was a bubbly character and it was a pleasure to have him around the club. Obviously, we would like to wish him well for the rest of his career.”

Sponsorship deal

MAIN match sponsorship is still available for Chester’s home match against Barnet on Tuesday, December 4.

Match sponsors are able to enjoy the hospitality facilities at the Deva Stadium before and after the game.

The package costs £850 plus VAT for a party of 10 people and includes a glass of wine on arrival, three-course meal or buffet, special guest pre- match talk, complimentary matchday programme, reserved car parking, executive seating, half-time refreshments, matchday ground advertising, media coverage, regular announcements on the stadium PA system, commemorative photograph, and the presentation of a bottle of champagne to your chosen man of the match.

For further details, contact Sarah Smith on 01244 371376.