Waiting game

Apr 21 2005 By Christopher Beesley, Ellesmere Port Pioneer

VAUXHALL FC manager Owen Brown is waiting to hear his fate on whether he will be installed as Chester City's new manager.

The Motormen boss was interviewed for the post on Monday along with Keith Curle and John Hollins, but a decision is not expected to be announced until next week.

Brown, who worked under current Chester City chairman Stephen Vaughan at Barrow, emerged as a surprise candidate last week and admitted that he was flattered by the Coca-Cola League Two club's interest.

However, he insists that his focus remains firmly on his current position at Rivacre Park and getting his team the point they need this weekend to mathematically avoid relegation.

Brown said: 'Chester is out of the way and what will be, will be. All my focus and direction is towards ensuring Vauxhall stay at this level. My time at the club has been a process of squad-strengthening and I've tried to change the emphasis of our personnel to bring in young talent.

'We've got some fantastic players now and if we can keep them together, I believe that Vauxhall will have a very

good season next year. Obviously, other clubs will covet many of them but, fortunately, we've got them all tied down on contracts.'

Meanwhile, chairman Alan Bartlam has revealed Chester's approach was made directly to Liverpool FC, Brown's full-time employers, rather than Vaux-hall, where Brown has no contract.

He said: 'I'm not going to make an issue of it but it would have been nice to have received a phone call from Chester. We've always stuck by Owen at Vauxhall, even when results were disappointing. At times, there have been noises among some sections our small band of supporters about his ability, but the fact Chester City are considering him speaks volumes.

'I've always had faith in Owen and I'm absolutely convinced he has got Vaux-hall moving in the right direction. He's had to compete in a transfer market against clubs who have far bigger wage bills than we'll ever be able to afford, but has made us a better side.'