CHESTER CITY have handed a full professional contract to 18-year-old YTS player Paul Rutherford.
The midfielder, who made his senior debut in last Tuesday night's LDV Vans Trophy match at Cambridge United, is one of a number of promising youngsters progressing through the Deva Stadium's impressive youth system.
City manager Keith Curle said last night: "Paul is living proof that size doesn't matter, he's only a small lad, but has good potential.
"He has lots of abilities that I like, and if his natural ability can be harnessed into a senior team situation, then he has a good future to look forward to."
Meanwhile, the Deva has been selected to host next month's under-16 international match between England and Northern Ireland in the Victory Shield.
The game will be played on Thursday, November 3, KO 7.45pm and admission prices are £5 for adults and £1 for youngsters under 16 and OAPs
City's first team are next in action tomorrow afternoon, when they entertain Bury at the Deva Stadium. They will definitely be without midfielder Stewart Drummond, the 29-year-old is serving the second match of a three-game ban following his dismissal at Barnet last Saturday. And striker Gregg Blundell, concussed against Rochdale a fortnight ago, returned to training yesterday but is unlikely to be risked.
Chester players and officials highlighting their support for the Football League's "Let's Kick Racism out of Football" campaign tomorrow.
Players, management and directors will wear T-shirts before the match supporting the initiative and there will banners around the ground.
