DARYL Clare has hailed Chester FC’s debut season as nothing short of magnificent.
The Blues legend is amazed by the reborn club’s lightning-fast progress and cannot wait to share in the joy as special guest at tomorrow’s City Fans United promotion party at Chester Racecourse.
Clare’s return to the city comes exactly 12 months ago to the day since he attended the official relaunch of Chester FC.
The electric atmosphere at the Guildhall that night convinced Clare the fans could make the club a success – but he never imagined just how much.
“I can’t wait for Friday – I’m absolutely buzzing,” said Clare, a member of the Blues Hall of Fame after his goals fired Mark Wright’s team to the Conference title in 2004.
“The reception I got at the relaunch night was incredible and I’m really looking forward to returning on what should be a happy night after the team gained what is hopefully the first of many promotions.
“It has been an absolutely magnificent season for the club and I’m sure it has surpassed everyone’s expectations.
“I could see on the night I was last in Chester that the supporters had a hunger in their eyes. But they’ve really put their money where their mouth is, put their hearts on their sleeves and they’ve got the club buzzing again.”
Cambridge United striker Clare would love to pull on the blue-and-white stripes again before his career comes to an end, although he is not ready to drop down from the Blue Square Premier just yet.
But even if his dream of returning to the Exacta Stadium fails to materialise, the club will always hold a special place close to his family’s heart.
The 32-year-old will be joined at tomorrow’s supporters’ bash by his wife Victoria and his four children, one of whom will be making a surprise appearance on stage.
Courtney Clare, eight, is a talented singer who will be performing a number on the night.
“I’ve absolutely no idea where her voice has come from as there are no other singers in the family,” said proud dad Clare, who helped Alfreton Town to the Blue Square North title after finishing the season on loan with the Derbyshire outfit.
“Being biased, obviously we think we she’s brilliant, but we can only measure how good she is by the amount of people she makes cry. Hopefully she can leave her mark on what should be a great night.”
Courtney, who will turn nine on Saturday, said: “I’m not sure what I’m going to sing at the minute, but I think it’s going to be Danny Boy or Ave Maria. I’m not nervous or anything.”
Tickets remain for the CFU promotion party and are on sale at the Exacta Stadium ticket office from 10am-4pm today and tomorrow, priced £10.
