Chester FC: New goalie Chris Sanna backs Blues for promotion

Nov 11 2010 By Paul Wheelock

CHESTER FC’s latest recruit believes his new side will be challenging for honours at the end of the season.

Goalkeeper Chris Sanna signed for his hometown club late last week after a transfer fee was agreed with Colwyn Bay.

The talented 23-year-old made an assured debut in Saturday’s victory over Mossley – and he has already seen enough to suggest the Blues can hold on to top spot and claim the Evo-Stik League First Division North crown.

Sanna said: “I’ve followed what’s been happening at the club over the last few months and I think that now is a really exciting time to be joining the club.

“As soon as I knew the club was getting reformed it was something that appealed to me and that I wanted to be a part of.

“Chester has a great fan base and are really well supported, which brings with it a lot of expectation.

“The pressure is on, but with the lads we have got here and the management team, it is more than possible for us to get promotion.”

Sanna knows just what it takes to be successful in Chester’s division.

The former Wales youth international played under Blues boss Neil Young as Colwyn Bay won promotion to the Premier Division last season.

“I had a great two seasons with Youngy at Colwyn Bay,” said Sanna, who combines playing football with studying for a degree in physiotherapy at the University of Salford.

“He is a great manager to work under and everyone has a lot of respect for him. He turned Colwyn Bay from relegation contenders into play-off champions.”

Sanna, who lists Liverpool, Stoke City and Watford among his former clubs, has signalled his intention to hold on to the number one jersey – but knows he faces stiff competition.

“Anyone who goes to a club and doesn’t want to start every week is in the wrong mindset,” said Sanna, who once had an unsuccessful trial with Chester City FC.

“I’ve seen both Richard Whiteside and Chris Oldfield play and they are good goalkeepers. We have healthy competition at the club, which is great as it brings  out the best in you.”

Young, who moved for Sanna after Whiteside suffered ankle-ligament damage, said: “Chris is here for the next two-and-a-half years and in that time you’ll see a very good goalkeeper.”

Sanna’s departure from Colwyn Bay left the North Wales club without a recognised keeper.

That meant Dave Challinor was forced to hand King’s School, Chester, sixth-form student Andy Metcalf his senior league debut in Saturday’s clash at Stocksbridge Park Steels – and the 18-year-old repaid his manager’s faith by keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win.

Metcalf, who was also unbeaten in Bay’s 0-0 draw at Burscough on Tuesday, said: “I have had to bide my time, but now I am just looking forward to playing and the chance to prove myself to everyone that I’ll be a good replacement for Chris.”