Excited to be back

Feb 8 2008 by David Triggs, Chester Chronicle

TONY Dinning was as surprised as anyone to last the full 90 minutes at Chesterfield on Saturday – but he was too excited to feel the strain.

As predicted in last Friday’s Chronicle, the 32-year-old midfielder was pitched straight into City’s starting line-up despite not having played a first-team game since injuring his knee at Wrexham last November. Dinning, who eased his way back to action by playing 50 minutes of a reserve game last week, slotted in like he had never been away at Saltergate and was a unanimous choice for man of the match in the 1-1 draw.

He said: “I think it was excitement that got me through, to be honest. After two and a bit months out, I thought I was going to be a bit leggy at the end, but I was just that excited to be back on the pitch. That got me through.”

Chester’s midfield strangled the life out of the promotion- chasing Spireites, who were limited to just a handful of chances.

Dinning added: “We had a good chat all week about how we were going to approach the game. Maybe it was a little bit negative at times, but it was a good chance to get some points back on the board.”

Dinning’s communication skills helped City’s younger players through the game and the veteran midfielder is certain the future of the club is bright.

“There are a lot of youngsters around but they are good youngsters and it’s a good thing for the club,” he said. “Us older players can get them through the games. They do all the running in the world but now and again they need a bit of talking to. They’re great lads and they’ll listen to you and we help each other get through the game.”

Hartson retires

BLUES target John Hartson yesterday ended any speculation about a move to the Deva Stadium by announcing his retirement from football.

The 32-year-old former ex-Wales international, who was released by West Brom last month, revealed he had lost his desire and was struggling to keep fit.

Former Celtic and Arsenal star Hartson was almost persuaded to join Chester by boss Bobby Williamson last year. He rejected a fresh approach from City in November and was rumoured to be a target for Williamson in the January transfer window.

But yesterday’s announcement has drawn a line under all the speculation.

Hartson said: “I’m going to miss that competitive edge. That was my weekend, letting off steam and terrorising centre-halves.

“But I’m not going to miss training though. To be honest, I’d lost my desire to get back into the West Brom side.”

The striker said he was not prepared to end his playing career at League Two level.

“They say you should go down the leagues and just play for enjoyment because it will be easier. It is not,” Hartson added. “I have been fighting my weight for 12 years. I can’t have a burger without putting on half a stone.”

Globe-trotters

CHESTER’S “mini-derby” with Wrexham Reserves has been rearranged.

The original fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch last month but will now take place at Buckley Town’s Globe Way Stadium on Wednesday, April 16 (7pm).

A new date for City’s reserve-team’ trip to Bury has been fixed up – Monday, March 17 (2pm).

City’s youth team are away to Blackpool tomorrow (10.30am).