Jones wants double

TOUGH-TACKLING full-back Stuart Jones is aiming for a double celebration come the end of the season.

After establishing himself as an integral part of Neil Young’s table-topping squad, the 24-year-old has set his sights on achieving both league and cup glory with Chester FC.

And Jones believes now the Blues, who have lost just once in their last 11 leagues games, have found their rhythm, they cannot be stopped.

“Chester is such a quality club and the way we are playing at the moment I don’t think anyone can stop us,” said Birkenhead-born Jones, who is cousins with boss Young.

“I think that we will definitely take the league and think that it is more than possible for us to pick up a domestic cup as well.

“The team has gelled now and we are seeing the rewards from that.”

Since moving to the Exacta Stadium from Cammell Laird in the summer, Jones has become a firm favourite with Chester fans thanks to his all-action displays and goal-scoring exploits.

“Chester is the biggest club that I’ve ever been at and I think I was nervous at the beginning of the season,” added Jones, who combines his football with working as a property developer.

“I am finding my form now because I’m more relaxed. The fans have been great to me and I’d like to get a chant going like Wildey (Michael Wilde) has got.

“All the players have to stay on their toes though as we know that if we don’t perform we’re out of the squad.

“It took me three years to break into the Lairds team and, as soon as I did, I got the call from Neil.

“I think that I’m settled now and a bit more used to the big crowds that we play in front of.”

Jones, who has scored three times this season, revealed he is in competition with captain and centre-back George Horan to see who bags the most goals this campaign.

“Me and George have got a bet going on to see who scores the most,” he said. “He is winning at the moment but there is plenty of time left yet.”

Jones attributes much of Chester’s fine form this season to the high morale in the camp.

“There are some real characters in the team,” said Jones, who lives in Oxton on the Wirral. “George is a great leader and gets the banter going, Richie Whiteside is a real laugh and Bradley Barnes never stops dancing.”

Hectic start to 2011

CHESTER FC’s players are in for a busy January.

The Blues have been left kicking their heels in recent weeks as four of their last five Evo-Stik League First Division North matches have fallen victim to the wintry weather gripping the country.

But they face the prospect of playing eight games in the first month of 2011 with league clashes at home to Warrington Town (3), AFC Fylde (12), Wakefield (15) and Ossett Albion (22) and away to Prescot Cables (1), Trafford (8) and Garforth Town (29).

A President’s Cup quarter-final at Fylde (26) completes an action-packed month.

Curzon rearranged

A NEW date has been found for Chester FC’s postponed trip to Curzon Ashton.

The battle of the Evo-Stik League First Division North title rivals was scheduled to take place last Saturday. However a frozen and snow-bound pitch scuppered hopes of the game going ahead.

The Blues will now make their way to the Tameside Stadium on Monday, April 11 (7.45pm) – two days after the visit of neighbours Cammell Laird to the Exacta Stadium.

Podcast hits the net

THE Seals Podcast Christmas special is now available online.

Host Dan Burns is joined in the Lache FM studio by Chester FC directors Mark Howell and Jeff Banks, the club’s retail manager Paul Walker and Chester FC reporter for The Chester Chronicle, Paul Wheelock.

The panel look back on what has been an unforgettable year for the Blues.

Click on www.lache.org.uk/seals-podcast to download the podcast or listen online.

Last chance to shop

BLUES fans have one final opportunity to pick up the perfect Chester FC Christmas gift.

The club shop at the Exacta Stadium is open today from 11am-1pm and 6-8pm.

It will then be closed until Monday’s scheduled home match with Durham City.