Chester City FC: We are fully focused on survival, says captain Paul Linwood

Apr 16 2009 by Paul Wheelock, Chester Chronicle

CAPTAIN Paul Linwood says the revived Blues are fully focused on survival – after admitting the club’s off-the-field woes had previously got to the players.

Monday’s 1-0 win at Accrington Stanley means City’s safety is now in their own hands.

The picture was nowhere near as clear just a month ago, however, after manager Mark Wright was told there was no chance Chester’s crippling transfer embargo would be lifted to allow him to boost his wafer-thin squad.

But, against all odds, Wright’s men have won two and drawn three of their six League Two matches since then and maximum points from their final three games of the season, starting at home to relegation rivals Bournemouth on Saturday, will see them safe.

Centre-back Linwood, who has led his team magnificently in recent weeks, said: “Monday’s was a massive result and it has made Saturday’s game even bigger because we’ve got the chance to get out of the relegation zone. This is the biggest game of the season and we’ll go into it full of confidence.”

That was not the case too long ago, however. “We were waiting for something to happen, we were waiting to get players in,” said Linwood. “It didn’t happen and as players we had to get on with it. But it probably took us too long to recognise that.

“But we know what our squad is now, we know what our strengths are and we’re going out there playing to the best of our ability.”

Chester have signed a three-season deal with kit suppliers Vandanel.

Vandanel’s Steve Marsters said: “We are delighted to be providing the kit to the first team, the reserves and the centre of excellence.

“We are confident the new home shirt will be available for fans to buy in July and we hope they will be pleased with the new lines of merchandise and training kit which will also be available in the club shop.”