Long lay-off for Ben

STRIKER Ben Mills’ serious knee injury will rule him out for up to four months.

The fans’ favourite ruptured his medial collateral ligament while playing in the fourth game of his four-week loan at Blue Square Bet North rivals Altrincham last month.

Chester FC boss Neil Young said: “Ben has got to have eight injections, which will stop him from having an operation but will probably keep him out of the game for three to four months.

“Obviously that’s not good but seeing as we’re nearly in April, hopefully he’ll be back for pre-season in July.

“He’s got to have another scan to determine if it definitely is only the medial ligament that has been damaged and nothing more severe.

“It’s a grade three, which is the worst you can have, but there is light at the end of the tunnel because we’ve already started the treatment.”

Young’s squad has been weakened further after on-loan winger Brendon Daniels returned to his parent club Crewe Alexandra.

The Blues boss said: “Brendon tore his hamstring in training, hence the reason why he wasn’t involved in the Gloucester City game.

“We were hoping it was only a slight nick but we spoke to Crewe and they informed me it’s a bad one, which is likely to keep him out until the end of the season.

“On the back of that we’ve lost Millsy as well, so we are short of numbers.”

Owen helping hand

CHESTER FC fans have been given the chance to go on a bespoke guided tour of Michael Owen’s state-of-the-art racing complex – and raise money for the club at the same time.

The tour of Manor House Stables in Malpas, which is co-owned by former England international Owen, will take place on Friday, May 3 and costs £20 per person.

All proceeds will go back to the Blues.

Chester’s vice chairman Steve Ashton said: “We would like to thank Manor House Stables for donating all proceeds from the stable visit for the further development of the football club.

“The visit promises to provide a fascinating opportunity to experience one of the UK’s top horse racing stables.”

To book a place on the tour, email bookings@chesterfc.com or call 01244 371376.

Walk to boost Blues

THERE is still time for Chester FC fans to sign up for the mass sponsored walk to and from the Exacta Stadium taking place before the Boston United game on Saturday week.

The walk will cover 5km and will have finished in time for the clash against Boston, who remain the only side to have beaten the Blues in the Blue Square Bet North this season.

Registration for the walk, which Chester boss Neil Young will get under way at 11am, is at 10am.

You can download a sponsorship form at www.cfcwalk.co.uk.

Money raised will go toward the club’s youth and junior section.

Memorabilia needed

SUPPORTERS are being asked to donate memorabilia for Chester FC’s soon-to-be-launched eBay account.

Funds generated through the account will be used to develop the club.

Fans can email media@chesterfc.com or telephone 01244 371 376 with details of items they would like the club to put up for auction on the online shopping site.

Alternatively items can be dropped off at the Exacta Stadium along with any supporting information.

County final prices

ADMISSION prices for Chester FC’s Cheshire Senior Cup final against Stalybridge Celtic have been announced.

It will cost £8 for adults and £3 for OAPs and children.

A child accompanied by an adult will get in for free.

The final takes place at Witton Albion’s Wincham Park on Wednesday, April 17 (7.45pm).

Fanzine hits streets

ISSUE six of Chester FC fanzine The Blue & White will be on sale before Saturday’s clash at Colwyn Bay.

Features include interviews with John Danby and Robbie Price about their time at Chester City and Chester FC and a look at club legends Arthur Gale and Peter Hauser.

The fanzine costs £2 and profits go to the Junior Blues.