A hard act to follow

Aug 1 2008 by Richard Fletcher, Chester Chronicle

DAVE Wright knows he has a lot to live up to after taking the reins at high-fliers Upton.

John Cadwallader has been forced to stand down because of work commitments that have taken him to Denbigh.

But he leaves an impressive legacy, taking Upton to eighth in West Cheshire’s Division One.

Wright said: “It’s something which is a big challenge. We’ve kept the majority of the players – we just got to keep the continuity.

“John did very well over the last few years.”

Wright has the pedigree to make a success of his appointment. He has plenty of experience handling players at the Cheshire FA youth team, where he acts as assistant manager to Dave Fernyhough.

Conversely, Fernyhough will also help out Wright with running Upton.

Wright said: “I’m going to be using Dave Fernyhough’s experience a lot. If we can stay in the division I’d be happy – when you take over a new role you’ve got to look at one step at a time.”

Upton are bringing in a couple of unnamed players from Liverpool before they open their season with two tough away games against Maghull on August 16 and Blacon the following Wednesday.

Meanwhile Christleton lead off their season away against Castrol Social on August 15.

Last season they finished fourth from bottom and faced a relegation battle. Castrol, however, finished 20 points above them and will represent a difficult opening to Christleton’s season.

Blacon Youth Club were Chester’s second best performers behind Upton, gaining mid-table safety in 10th.

The travelling Upton side on Wednesday, August 20 will be Blacon’s opener.