Young backs Roy
NEIL Young has the first-hand experience to substantiate his claim that Roy Hodgson is the man to lead Liverpool back to the top.
The Chester boss was bowled over by the new Reds manager when the two met in the 2005-06 UEFA Cup. Young, a lifelong Liverpool fan and former season-ticket holder, was part of the Rhyl delegation that headed to Norway to scout Hodgson’s Viking Stavanger side before the teams clashed in the second qualifying round of the competition.
Hodgson went out of his way to welcome Rhyl coach Young, boss John Hulse and owner Peter Parry – showing the kind of dignity and grace his one-time opponent believes will serve him well at an Anfield club whose fans are at loggerheads with the owners.
Young said: “We went out to watch Viking and to be fair to Roy, he came upstairs after the game, had a good chat with us, then took us into Stavanger and showed us around.
“I found him to be very honest and down to earth – just a really nice guy. His team had just played and lost to the top-of-the-league team, but he went out of his way to find us and then take us out.
“I’m sure he’ll do a good job at Liverpool.”
Legends lend hand
LIVERPOOL legends Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen are the latest big names to sign up for the Chester FC Golf Day.
The Anfield greats will join 1966 England World Cup heroes Gordon Banks and Roger Hunt and former Chester striker Gary Talbot at an event from which all proceeds will be donated directly to the reborn Blues.
Held on the impressive Championship Course at Macdonald Portal Hotel in Tarporley on Thursday, August 19, entry costs £395 per four-ball and includes tea, coffee and bacon rolls on arrival followed by 18 holes of golf and a three-course meal.
To request an entry form or for further information contact DMC Golf, a Hoole-based golf events company, on 0844 873 1823 or email: enquiries@dmcgolf.com
Tasty treats in store
CHESTER FC have announced a two-year partnership with the Cock O Barton restaurant.
Matchday dining in the Legends Lounge at the Deva Stadium will be provided by the Broxton restaurant, whose team will also operate the matchday kiosks in the ground – starting on Saturday for the visit of Aberystwyth Town.
Locally-sourced pies and sausage rolls, from P&A Davies, hot and cold drinks and snacks will be available.
For more information on the Cock O Barton visit www.thecockobarton.co.uk
Online shop for fans
CHESTER FC fans are now able to buy official club merchandise online.
Provided by the club’s merchandise partner Live4Soccer, the Joma-branded products on offer include tracksuits, rain jackets, bench jackets and polo shirts in addition to replica shirts and shorts.
The online shop can be accessed via Chester’s official website www.chesterfc.com
Opener is all-ticket
CHESTER’S first game of the Evo-Stik League Division One North season at Warrington Town will be all-ticket.
The Blues have been given 1,500 tickets for their big opener at Cantilever Park on Tuesday, August 24 (7.45pm kick-off).
Warrington chief executive Gary Skentlebery also told The Chronicle that, contrary to some internet rumours, the match will not be switched to the Halliwell Jones Stadium, home of the Warrington Wolves rugby league club.
Leek tie for Blues
THE Blues have been handed an away tie in the preliminary round of the Evo-Stik League President’s Cup.
Chester make the trip to Division One South outfit Leek Town on Tuesday, September 21.
Bag-pack goes well
JUNIOR Blues members of City Fans United raised £538 after bag-packing at Asda in Ellesmere Port on Sunday. That money will help the Junior Blues committee continue to provide activities and enjoyment to the youngest Chester FC supporters.
