Looking back on a memorable year for Chester FC, DAVID TRIGGS concludes his review of 2011 – in the words of those who made the headlines

JULY

“He couldn’t have made a better debut and it was only what he deserved.”

– Blues boss Neil Young had words of praise for Joe Ormrod after the 16-year-old came off the subs’ bench and smashed in a superb goal in a 2-1 friendly win over FC United.

“That’s probably the worst performance from any Chester side since I’ve been here.”

– From the sublime to the ridiculous... Young was scathing about a 3-0 loss to Southport in a pre-season encounter at the Exacta Stadium.

“It’s a massive blow for me but I’ve got to stay positive.”

– Michael Wilde, who fractured his collarbone in a heavy fall during the Southport game, was a key absentee for Chester in the early weeks of the season.

AUGUST

“The last 12 months have been the happiest of my career.”

– General manager Pat Cluskey swapped roles in a boardroom reshuffle, replacing Steve Ashton as chief executive.

“They were celebrating as if they had won the league. I don’t think they can believe they’ve won.”

– Young felt Hednesford Town’s players got carried away with their 1-0 win over the Blues, who started the season as title favourites.

“Liam was on the way back from his match at Luton and I was on the way back from Hednesford, but we agreed a deal and we’re delighted to have got Matty.”

– Young revealed how he and Southport boss Liam Watson tied up Matty McGinn’s loan move to the Blues while they were both sitting on their respective team buses.

SEPTEMBER

“I’ve got no doubts about my ability, my team’s ability or my management team’s ability.”

– Young came out fighting in the week following a dismal 4-1 loss at Nantwich Town, claiming that a ‘minority’ of Blues fans had taken their criticism of the team too far.

“Chester will always have a place in my heart.”

– Former Blues favourite Ryan Lowe acknowledged the debut he owes to Chester when he sealed a big-money move from Bury to Sheffield Wednesday.

“I worked well with most of them, although one or two were a bit of a pain in the backside!”

– Gary Kent, who retired after 29 years as Chester’s groundsman, had fond memories of most – if not all – of managers he had worked with.

OCTOBER

“The defence has been absolutely quality. It’s just a pleasure to be playing at the minute.”

– Blues keeper John Danby played for 781 minutes without conceding a goal. The astonishing run, which included seven consecutive victories through September, overtook Grenville Millington’s previous best of 636 minutes.

“Once Jamie gets his goal, he’ll be off and running.”

– Young gave his public backing to misfiring striker Jamie Rainford, who was struggling to find the net with any regularity following his summer move from Marine. Rainford was later shipped out to Halifax on loan.

“It was probably the best game I’ve been involved in since I’ve been at the club.”

– Young again, speaking after a breathless 3-2 victory over FC United at Gigg Lane.

NOVEMBER

“For any sports business to make a profit nowadays is an achievement – but for a sports business to do it in its first year is a fantastic achievement.”

– Chief executive Pat Cluskey was a proud man after Chester FC revealed a £107,626 profit from the club’s first season.

“He is a little bit of an unsung hero and I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.”

– Young put goalkeeper John Danby in the spotlight as his fine form helped the Blues up to second in the table, behind leaders Northwich.

“It doesn’t feel like I’m stepping down, given the facilities and fans the club has got.”

– Antoni Sarcevic was happy to swap a place on the Crewe Alex bench in League Two for regular first-team football with Chester.

DECEMBER

“My aim is to make the final and lift the Trophy.”

– Striker Matty McNeil set his sights high as the Blues made smooth progress through the early rounds of the FA Trophy.

“All we talk about with the players is discipline, discipline, discipline. But if you look at it now, it is my personal opinion that the games are too big for some of the referees. The atmosphere is too big for them and they get too embroiled.”

– Young launched an attack on the standard of refereeing in the Evo-Stik League after having three players sent off in the space of two festive fixtures. The Blues boss was particularly aggrieved by Michael Powell’s contentious dismissal in an incident-packed 1-1 draw at Northwich.