Chester FC: Maturity a key factor in John Danby’s record-breaking run

Oct 13 2011 by Paul Wheelock, Chester Chronicle

JOHN Danby reckons the role he has played in Chester FC’s impressive series of clean sheets is a sign of his growing maturity as a goalkeeper.

The 28-year-old extended his club record run of minutes without conceding a goal to 726 on Saturday and in doing so offered further proof of the high concentration levels he has developed with age.

Danby had little do against a Chasetown team that was the most negative to have visited the Exacta Stadium this season.

But when called on he was alert enough to tip an ambitious 40-yard effort over the bar – a save which ensured he made it eight shut-outs in succession.

“I’m enjoying my football again, which is a big help, but I think the older I’ve got the better my concentration has become,” said Danby, who was aiming to make it nine straight clean sheets at Buxton last night in a match played after The Chronicle went to press.

“It’s down to my age but I also think it comes to being more relaxed on the pitch.

“At the moment I know there’s going to be long periods in a game when I’m not going to do much, so I’ve got to keep on my toes and keep my concentration.”

Blues boss Neil Young struggled to fill the number one jersey last season but Danby has made the shirt his own since returning to the club.

The Stoke-born stopper believes his own fine form is also testament to the men playing in front of him.

“The defence has been absolutely quality,” said Danby, who played for Chester City between 2006 and 2010 before the old club’s closure.

“Matty McGinn has come in and done really well at left-back, Liam Brownhill is doing well at right-back and the two big centre-halves are just defending superbly. We are getting to know each other now and you can see the understanding is getting better.”

Danby was offered contracts by clubs higher up the non-league ladder than the Blues when his deal with Eastwood Town ran out in the summer.

He chose Chester – and it is a decision he has not regretted.

“I’m really enjoying it and everything has gone well,” said Danby.

“We had a bit of sticky start, when we had some key players missing, but it’s come together and it’s just a pleasure to be playing at the minute.

“There’s going to be a point in the season when we have another sticky patch, when we may struggle to score goals. But we’ll just have to keep doing what we’re doing now, defending well and keeping clean sheets.”