FREEBIES WORTH WEIGHT IN GOLD
CHESTER co-manager Bernard Morley has hailed his players’ amazing play-off sacrifice – and believes promotion can be their reward.
The Blues’ board met on Monday night to decide if the fan-owned club could afford to enter the National League North play-offs.
And the players’ decision to forgo their wages for the play-off campaign proved one of the key factors in allowing club chiefs to give the goahead.
It means Chester, who finished sixth on points per game, can look forward to a trip to fifth-placed Altrincham in two weeks’ time.
Proud Morley, who manages the side along with Anthony Johnson, said: “I think it sums up what we are about. The loyalty we try and get comes across and everyone buys into it.
“The players and staff jumped at the opportunity to take part in the play-offs. Once you compete throughout the season, you make a lot of sacrifices and want to see it through.
Buzzing
“The lads were buzzing and you could see a spring in their step in training.”
Now they have thrown their hat into the ring, Chester need to prepare rapidly for their eliminator at Altrincham.
He said: “We haven’t beaten them in five games since myself and Jonno have been here – three league games and two cup-ties.
“In one game they beat us 4-0. It was 0-0 at half-time but we then had our captain (Scott Burton) sent off and they took advantage against ten men. “The other four games have been really tight and I think this one is going to be the same. I don’t expect Parky (Phil Parkinson) and his players to take their foot off the gas. “The side that wants it more and is fitter and stronger will win through.” If they do manage to end their Alty jinx, life won’t get any easier for Chester. A semi-final at York awaits the winners and victory in that one would more than likely lead to another away tie in the final.
Morley said: “I don’t think any team in our league has won three away games on the spin all season, so we’ll have to be at our best, but it is doable – and I believe we can do it.”
Big boots
One area that Chester fans may be concerned about is where the goals are going to come from following the departure of 18-goal top scorer Akwasi Asante to divisional rivals Gloucester City.
“Let’s be honest, he would be in our strongest team, but we have to accept he’s not here and we are going to have to find a way,” said Morley.
“We’ve got George Waring, Danny Elliott, Matty Hughes, Anthony Dudley and Will Goodwin. Those boys have to stand up and be counted to fill his boots – and they are big boots.”
Between the sticks, Chester are aiming to find out if Louis Gray, 24, who was on loan from Carlisle and is now a free agent, will be able to take part, while fellow keeper Jon Worsnop, 37, has returned as a player/coach.
Whatever side Morley and Johnson select, they believe the supporters’ incredible fundraising efforts to help their club will give them an extra edge.
The Boost the Budget campaign for next season has already raised more than £90,000, while the ‘In It Together’ Crowdfunder for the playoffs has raced past half of the £15,000 target.
Morley added: “The supporters haven’t seen a game for three months, but they’ve put in a massive amount of money. The players appreciate what the supporters are doing and that will get an extra ten per cent out of them on the pitch.”