Chester v Grimsby Preview

The Opposition

It’s been a turbulent few years for Chester since they were promoted back into the Football League in 2004 thanks to a certain Daryl Clare. They won the Conference title by a single point fighting off some heavy late pressure from Hereford United. Amazingly, manager Mark Wright resigned from the club just a day before the start of the new season and Ian Rush was soon appointed to steady the ship. Under the former Liverpool legend they finished a comfortable 14 points ahead of second bottom Kidderminster, despite spending some time propping up the other sides at the bottom. Keith Curle replaced Rush for the following season, promising to bring better football than his predecessor. 5 successive wins at the end of the season secured another season of league football, with the Blues finished in 15th place. The trend of finishing in the bottom half was setting in as they finished the 2006-7 season in 18th place with 53 points, 3 places and 6 points behind the Mariners. Keith Curle was sacked in April of 2007 and was replaced by Scottish manager Bobby Williamson. New signings such as Richie Partridge and Paul Butler brought optimism to the Deva Stadium and a decent start added fuel to the fire. But a disastrous run soon came and Williamson was replaced by assistant Simon Davies in the March until the end of the season, steering the club into 22nd position just one place ahead of safety. In the summer AS Nancy’s French Midfielder Damien Mozika was brought in to the club on a free, but the first three games saw Chester concede 11 goals including a 5-2 defeat at home to Leeds United in the League Cup. Mark Wright was once again appointed as manager in November for a Buckley-esque third stint at the club. The club made a decent start to the season but have been on a disastrous run and are without a win in 11 games, losing 9 of them.

The current squad is noticeably small, due to many players being sold or released to ease the financial worries. Striker Kevin Ellison scored two against Town earlier in the season in Chester’s 3-1 win at Blundell Park; his usual striker partner is Ryan Lowe. Lowe is in his 2nd spell with the club after signing for Crewe but returning last summer initially on loan. He has scored 10 goals in 23 appearances this season for the Blues. John Danby is the man between the sticks for Chester; the 25 year old keeper has played nearly 130 games since his move from Kidderminster in 2006. Local lad Paul Linwood is at the back, he is also 25 and has played nearly 100 games since he signed from neighbours Tranmere. Former Liverpool midfielders Richie Partridge and David Mannix are both regulars for Chester, both came through the youth ranks at Anfield but were deemed surplus to requirements without ever making an appearance.

Defender/Midfielder Kevin Roberts came through the ranks at Chester and has played over 50 times in his 2 years in the first team. The utility man plays alongside several local men in the Blues side, something which was forced upon the club by having to sell players. But Roberts has been a good addition to the side, he can play all across the back four and midfield and signed a 3 year contract at the club last year. Many at Chester believe he has a bright future in the game and at only 25 years of age, there is plenty of time for him to move up the league ladder.

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Head to Head

Grimsby narrowly have the edge this century over City There hasn't been a draw for 18 games and over thirty years!

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Chester Head-to-Head (12th on The Opposition Ladder)

Last Meeting

Grimsby 1 Chester 3 (Sat 13th Sep 2008)

Town missed their chances and were unfortunate to lose the game against City.

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