Broadcaster hailed

CHESTER FC pitchside announcer Dan Burns is in with a shot of winning a national award.

The young broadcaster has been put forward for the Podcast of the Year prize at the Football Supporters’ Federation Football Writers Awards 2012.

Dan, 24, from Huntington, has been nominated for his work on the Manchester City Blue Moon podcast.

The former Catholic High School student, who is also the host of popular Chester FC podcast The Seals Podcast, is up against tough competition.

The Anfield Wrap and podcasts from The Times and The Guardian are also on the shortlist.

But whatever the outcome at the Covent Garden awards ceremony on July 7, the University of Central Lancashire journalism graduate is just delighted his and his Blue Moon colleagues’ work has been recognised.

Dan, a big fan of both Chester and Manchester City, said: “It hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s amazing to be nominated for such an award and it feels like a reward for all the hard work we’ve put in.

“To think it was something me and (co-host) David Mooney started in the Greenbank Building at University of Central Lancashire and now we’re heading to London and nominated for this award. It’s crazy but a credit.

“The competition we are up against is really tough. I’m always an optimist, though, and having seen City win the league from staring despair in the face, if people can vote for us, then we have a chance.”

Dan, who has interviewed big names like Patrick Vieira since joining the Blue Moon team in February 2010, is hoping Chester supporters can help him win the Podcast of the Year title.

Voting for the award will be decided by the public, online at www.fsf.org.uk.

Voting closes on Thursday, June 21.

Line-up confirmed

CHESTER FC’s place in the Football Conference was rubber stamped at the league’s AGM at the weekend.

The make up of the Blue Square Bet North was also confirmed at the meeting at Celtic Manor in Newport.

The Blues are one of four newcomers to the division – the others being Brackley Town, Bradford Park Avenue and Oxford City – while Hinckley United have been handed a reprieve from relegation following the resignation of Kettering Town from the Conference system.

The full line-up is: Altrincham, Bishop’s Stortford, Boston United, Brackley Town, Bradford Park Avenue, Colwyn Bay, Corby Town, Chester FC, Droylsden, FC Halifax Town, Gainsborough Trinity, Gloucester City, Guiseley, Harrogate Town, Hinckley United, Histon, Oxford City, Solihull Moors, Stalybridge Celtic, Vauxhall Motors, Worcester City, Workington.

Fixtures will be released on Monday, July 2.

Alex clash arranged

A VISIT from League One new boys Crewe Alexandra will round off Chester FC’s pre-season schedule.

Crewe, who this week sold starlet Nick Powell to Manchester United in a deal worth £6m, will make the short trip to the Exacta Stadium on Saturday, August 11.

One week earlier the Blues will host North Ferriby United in the Peter Swales Shield, an annual one-off game between the winners of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division and Doodson Sport Cup.

Chester’s friendly list in full: July 15 AFC Fylde (A); July 17 Southport (H); July 21 Kilmarnock (H); July 25 Liverpool XI (H); July 31 Airbus UK Brougthon (A); August 4 North Ferriby United (H); August 7 Fleetwood Town (H); August 11 Crewe Alexandra (H).

Bookies back Blues

BOOKMAKERS Blue Square have installed Chester FC as favourites to win their third straight title.

Neil Young’s men are 4/1 favourites to claim the Blue Square Bet North crown at the first attempt.

Moneybags FC Halifax Town are second favourites at 6/1 followed by Gainsborough Trinity (13/2), Bishop’s Stortford (7/1), Guiseley (8/1) and Brackley Town (9/1).

Chester’s neighbours Vauxhall Motors are 100/1 rank outsiders.

Get fit with Zumba

WEEKLY Zumba fitness classes have returned to the Exacta Stadium.

The first session takes place this Monday (June 18) between 5.30-6.30pm in The Blues Bar, costing £4.