BLUES legend Graham Barrow says he would not have missed this weekend’s emotional return to his old stamping ground for the world.
The popular former Chester captain and manager is now first-team coach at Wigan Athletic, who head to the Deva Stadium on Sunday for a pre-season friendly (1pm kick-off).
The Premier League outfit, managed by former Blues midfielder Roberto Martinez, will have only been back in the country a matter of hours after returning from a week-long Austrian training camp.
But Barrow was always going to make it back for such an extra special occasion.
“I really pushed hard for this game, but Roberto was always keen so it was just a case of fitting it in,” said Barrow, speaking to The Chronicle from Austria.
“Everyone at Chester seems really together and you only have to look at clubs like Wimbledon and Newport County to see that they can make it back.
“Chester was a big part of my life and still is. You couldn’t write a book about some of the experiences I had at the club – in fact, you could!
“I’ll never forget the fantastic times I had there and I can’t wait to go back.
“I’m going back with the other club that is close to my heart so it will be a real mixture of emotions – and that’s why I think this time will be extra special.”
Chorley-born Barrow, 56, was signed from Wigan by Harry McNally in 1986 and quickly carved out a reputation as one of Chester’s finest midfield generals, clocking up 298 first-team appearances. Moving into coaching, he had two spells as manager of the Blues and worked as an assistant to both McNally and Mark Wright.
Barrow is hopeful that Martinez, a fans’ favourite during his short stay at the Deva four years ago, will be in attendance on Sunday as the Blues host a Premier League side for the first time since the club’s rebirth earlier this year.
Wigan, who are expected to field a youthful line-up, will face an ever-improving Chester side in high spirits after their 2-1 victory over a Tranmere Rovers XI on Tuesday.
After the match, Blues boss Neil Young completed the signing of one of his team’s most impressive pre-season performers, former Witton Albion and Halifax winger Mark Peers, 26.
“I’m very happy that Mark has committed to the club,” said Young, whose attempts to sign midfielder Damian Allen from his former club Colwyn Bay have been dashed.
“Mark’s done very well for us and long may that continue.”
Young will welcome back Iain Howard on Sunday but Richard Whiteside, Dan Mahoney and Richard Foulkes are unavailable.
Andy Burgess is out for 10 days with a hamstring strain.
