BOBBY Williamson can’t wait to renew acquaintances with his old adversary Terry Butcher.
The Chester City boss regularly came up against Butcher – a former Motherwell manager and Dundee United coach – when he was in charge of Kilmarnock and Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League.
The two men now find themselves working south of the border and are set to be reunited tomorrow when Butcher’s Brentford take on Williamson’s Blues at the Deva.
The Chester manager said: ‘I know Terry Butcher from old. We’ve crossed swords a few times.
‘I know what to expect and it’s really down to the players on Saturday whether we get a result.’
After a bright opening to the season, the Bees have lost form and were stung 3-0 at home to MK Dons on Saturday.
It was their third defeat in a row but Williamson would rather focus on his own team.
‘I don’t pay too much to what other teams are doing,’ he said. ‘I’m totally focused on what we want to do.
‘Obviously, we’re aware of their strengths and weaknesses, as they will be with ours.’
Ex-England defender Butcher is determined to remain strong in the wake of fierce criticism from some supporters after the Dons defeat.
He said: ‘They pay their money and they can say those things because we were second best. I have no excuses for the defeat and I don't think we can expect them to be blowing kisses at us.’
On the selection front, right-back James Vaughan is a major doubt for the Blues.
The 20-year-old injured his foot during last Saturday’s win at Bury and has aggravated the problem this week, putting a question mark over his participation tomorrow.
Williamson said: ‘James Vaughan is really struggling. He’s picked up a knock and is very doubtful.’
Simon Marples is poised to make his first start of the season if Vaughan fails to recover.
The only other selection issue for Williamson is at centre-back.
He must decide whether to recall Paul Linwood following his one-match ban or keep faith with Phil Bolland, who deputised for the former Tranmere man at Bury on Saturday.
Williamson added: ‘I don’t expect players to be happy when they’re out of the team, but sometimes it’s out of my control. If the team’s doing well, then they can’t get in.
‘Paul Linwood, unfortunately for him, got sent off and he’s suffered. Phil’s came in and done well and it’s down to me to decide who will be performing on Saturday.’
