An alternative look at Chester FC, All proceeds go to the football and other stuff. club and community

ISSUE #27 2 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 tour, AEuropean 16 Match 10 8 Talbot tribute Gary 6 FC Chester of years ten first The 4 up sell Fans 14 10 1: Part years first the 12 traditions day Fanzine 11 we’ll be back this year. this back be we’ll hoping weare but trophy the with away walk didn’t we Sadly years. nine in times three it makes which Year (2019), the of Fanzine FSF) (formerly FSA for you! without possible been have wouldn’t this as zine the advertises and buys subscribes, who to everyone you Thank sponsor. shirt the as fanzine the with FC Chester of white and blue the sporting be will sides the season next from and League Counts Ability Cheshire the in FC Chester represent –who team coaches. FAwith qualified environment safe afun, in friends make and skills their develop football, to play disabilities sensory or physical inclusive sessions allow young people with learning, The 16. 7 and between aged youngsters for sessions season. next and season this of remainder the for team football PAN-disability Editorial Contents

Second, the fanzine was once again shortlisted shortlisted again once was fanzine the Second, boys and –agirls sides u16 two also are There coaching weekly provides team PAN-disability The SENIGALLIA, FORZA FAMILY THE JOINING Mahon’s exit Craig CHANGE CHOP AND EQUALS AMONG FIRST WAS THAT WAS DECADE THE THAT ORLEANS NEW TO FROM WYCOMBE 20 DEVA TURNS CHAT DAY FANZINE day the Chester FC Community Trust’s Trust’s Community FC Chester the to sponsor zine the of sales the from raised money the to use decided had we? shall news good the with off start Let’s traditions Before all this started the fanzine fanzine the started this all Before of sort

CITY CHESTER FORZA

that we had a head start. We’d seen what happened happened what We’d seen start. ahead had we that avirus. for work wouldn’t Europe of rest the with odds at strategy abold having that out worked they deaths amillion half nearly for responsible be would they mean would pursuing were they strategy sarily. Boris. Cheers inherently accepts that people would die unneces which strategy immunity aherd for –going zagged UK the March, in zigged world the When 10. Number in super-predictors the with lies clearly blame The down. shutting not for you blame –Idon’t on so and arena Motorpoint the festival, Cheltenham the of ers lives. saved ably undoubt has fixtures – to suspend time the at advice Government –against March early in action Their FA. Welsh the and FA, Scottish the League, Football the League, Premier the clubs), League National other organisations – the board of Chester FC (and some following the to congratulate asecond for vibes And to the National League, the FA, the organis the FA, the League, National to the And here* start vibes –bad alert *Spoiler And the most annoying thing about all of this was was this of all about thing annoying most the And the that 10 Number on dawned finally it when And feel good the with to continue going I’m And 31 31 designer and writers Our 30 Revolution aData of Art and Science The Hackers: Football 28 fan worst Chester’s 26 women’s football in ACL injuries THERE? FACILITIES TRAINING ADEQUATE THERE ARE 24 Delves George 20 18

REAL THE NOT CONTRIBUTORS REVIEW BOOK JOE NONENTITY BUT BE VENUS FROM MIGHT WOMEN INTERVIEW club the and Infrastructure PART 3 DOORS SLIDING

NEWS BLUES

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raw numbers, but also per head of population. of terms in just –not Europe in deaths for table the to top set looks UK the Italy, of warning the despite Meanwhile, Covid-19. of there died have people 18 only writing of time At the when. and steps the taking were they why population to their explaining but listened to elsewhere. UK the in unheeded warnings, were There late. too one did they when Italy in happened what seen had we and a lockdown implemented they when China in a punishment. With most of the season played played season the of most With a punishment. is expungement possible, as soon as contracts around situation the to solidify sense make does it Whilst start. adepressing was level our below results all expunge to unilaterally FA’s decision the but issues, these on decisions to make to have position any in those envy Idon’t calendar. working a into out shake will issues legal and contractual, sporting, moral, health, various the of all how seen to be remains it but point, some at return will it course, Of football. the with to happen going is to come. likely seem More to make. had all wehave that adjustment a strange is it but hoped, we had than later a bit is It cancelled. was football the after and before written articles of amix is issue this so and UK, the reached really had pandemic coronavirus the experience. editor fanzine full the for shower by asudden sodden absolutely get you sure make printer the from fresh it got you’ve once bonus, added an as Then, staple. you before order right the in it’s sure –make too copy own your print always could you enough, normal not that’s If stuff. other and football FC, Chester says: always tagline our as just it’s that, than other But all. after hands your in physically not it’s to normal: govern the If high. as to be have didn’t still deaths New Zealand went hard and fast early. Clearly Clearly early. fast and hard went Zealand New At the time of writing, it’s still very unclear what what unclear very still it’s writing, of time At the before issue this together putting We began of number the lockdown late the despite But digitally, but… to publish wanted ever We haven’t us. White. & Blue The of 27 issue to Welcome This issue might seem a bit different different abit seem might issue This know you as not but here, We’re 3 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 / Issue & White Blue 3 / The - The Blue & White Blue The of 27 to issue welcome to say: delighted I’m loft, the in copy every way. along go will it paid, you’ve Whatever club. to the donated be will issue this for paid you’ve that penny Every costs. running club’s to the contributing and fanzine this downloading for much very you whenever that starts. season, next shirt Kappa new nice those on pull ateam wesee before needed be will more much but great, been have club by the efforts fundraising initial The matter. another is which afloat, stay is do to need we All fine. is which season, next division same the in be wewill that likely seems It certain. least. at apyramid resemble still likely would it but aresult, as pyramid looking different a very see We might apply. clubs several if account into based on league vacancies, taking league position promotion optional and division, any in clubs all for relegation optional allow I would season. next finances clubs’ around uncertainties the given tion relega or promotion either to enforce sensible seem doesn’t it Furthermore, forward. moved payment solidarity the just not money, new to be has this injection through whatever means they can – and cash of kind some provide must they that means this in business for next season as possible. Realistically clubs non-league many as keeping be must priority awarded. be must titles and awards and done, have teams how of acknowledgement be should absolutely there embarrassment and shame. - Neil Bellis profound of asource be should couldn’t they what see could clubs football individual and leagues that fact The abysmal. been has months few past the over people. killed has that and dithered, they but best their trying are they and unnecessarily. I don’t doubt their efforts are sincere it from dying are disease novel the to treat trying doctors and nurses so minute last it did It didn’t. it But quickly. more PPE and ventilators beds, for NHS the in capacity extra to build started had ment The leadership on display from the government government the from display on leadership The With that in mind, if you’ve been able, thank thank able, been you’ve if mind, in that With more abit to be seem things Chester, for As FA’s The sure. so not I’m that, after However, So, whether you’re a first-time reader or have have or reader a first-time you’re whether So, . - Richard Bellis - Horan, Baynes, Horan, Horan... the list goes on) as September – which included dishing out some romped to further titles. But off the pitch, there dishy contracts to players with no sell-on value – were initial signs which became much more evident before the club cottoned on to this inexplicable in later years that, financially, the club was flying Machiavellian scheme and showed him the door. without a safety net, recording a loss in accounts When Marcus Bignot was then tasked with for the 2011-2012 season. ensuring National League survival, the priority Having worked his magic in the first three years, shifted more towards, simply, ‘survival’, as it became Young was unceremoniously dumped in January apparent the club’s coffers were bare and there was 2014 as he and the squad found the stupidly named barely enough money to buy the players beans on Skrill Premier a step too far. But they did leave a toast. While the club had at least learned to win the parting gift with the 2-0 victory at Wrexham – still occasional game at home again (Lucas Dawson’s the only Blues league victory I’ve seen there in last-minute winner in the 3-2 game against Barrow my lifetime. sent me near delirious with joy), relegation was Replacement Steve Burr did his best with what inevitable. The raft of young talent the Blues had was a fairly goal-shy team, but Chester finished the developed at least prevented cricket-score-style campaign in the relegation zone. Except not, as defeats as Chester FC prepared for life in the both the team they played that final day (Sailsbury National League North. City) and the team which leapfrogged Chester in Buoyed by fundraising fans, a comprehensive the table (Hereford United) went belly-up. restructure off the pitch and the small matter of That was the Decade that was The 2014-15 season is the odd one out in the Stuart Murphy’s million-pound donation, the Blues On ten years of Chester FC is Mark Dowling… decade – the only one where Chester didn’t chal- looked to have a more settled season ahead with lenge for the play-offs or look destined for the drop Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley now running (save for that opening-day horror show against the show. What followed was a season of ups and If Chester FC wasn’t a football club, it would be a Barnet). To add to the weirdness, there was even downs at least focused on the playing field, with theme park. What with all the rollercoaster rides a decent FA Cup run. Also, Sir Ben of Heneghan thrilling victories – such as the Gary Roberts hat-trick fans have enjoyed and endured in the ten years was knighted for his last-minute winner against 3-2 against Alfreton and the perfect hat-trick from since the Vaughan-tainted Chester City went to Wrexham in what was the best cross-border derby debutant Akwasi Asante in the 3-1 triumph over the wall and the phoenix club rose from the ashes. in the history of all things. Darlington – mixed in with the horrific 8-1 defeat A decade on from when Chester City’s season Normal service was resumed the following to Blyth Spartans – which had some fans ready- 4 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 ended prematurely - something unavoidable this seasons as Chester’s grip on life in the newly renamed ing their pitchforks and flaming torches – and the season, sadly, due to entirely different reasons - National League began to slip away. Despite James utterly miserable 6-0 slump at home to Stockport now seems to be the perfect time to reflect on the Alabi netting four first-half goals in the crazy 8-2 County (my dad’s birthday ‘treat’ – thanks for that). past ten years. victory against Aldershot, that match was the last The most recent season, which still exists at the The first three seasons, of course, are remem- Champagne for the third promotion in three years Burr victory and six games later he was given the time of writing, has been more of the same, with the bered fondly. Fresh from the success – before a ball boot, replaced by Jon McCarthy. victories slightly more frequent and the miserable had even been kicked – of ensuring the resurrected of these new-fangled ‘live blogs’ for the Chester Fans will not look back on the McCarthy era defeats not having quite as one-sided score lines. Chester FC would play in the Evo-Stik Division Chronicle (Twitter was in its relative infancy even with great fondness, but to give him and that squad Sadly, given the coronavirus pandemic, the Blues One North rather than the Vodkat Premier two in 2011). It’s amazing my last text updates weren’t some credit, it started well, securing safety with are now faced with having to raise vital funds to tiers below, the newly formed squad established just ‘Affghtfghdd aarrrg ssswkwkw’ as challengers a game to spare in 2015-16 and enjoying a spell keep going, along with many other football clubs. As themselves as title contenders very early on in Skelmersdale United fired in yet another goal. I of seven consecutive clean sheets the following has been shown over the best decade though, the their first season. dread to think what my updates would have been season. Also noteworthy is the two-legged FA Blues have faced more obstacles in ten years than And yet, despite all the victories along the way if Skem had managed to pull off that seven goal Trophy victory over Witton Albion, only because others faced in 50, so I’m reasonably confident it in the inaugural season, it is the season finale 2-1 swing. Thankfully it was just the five (as they won it’s the worst I’ve seen any team play over 180 can overcome this latest challenge. – Mark Dowling defeat at Garforth Town which I hold closest to 7-2) and Chester FC had their first title. minutes and still emerge victorious. my heart. Mainly for the umpteen heart attacks I The following two seasons were much more As 2017 dawned, however, it became apparent and nearly 2,500 other supporters suffered during straightforward, on the pitch at least, as manager that McCarthy had seemingly made it his new an intolerable second half where it looked like Neil Young and his ever-growing army of starlets year’s resolution not to record any Chester home we’d snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the (Wilde, McGinn, Horan, Sarcevic, McNeil, Simm, victories that year. He managed to make it as far biggest possible way. On that day I was writing one

5 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 and we were all having a drink with the rest of the lads and he [Hauser] came up to me and he said ‘why don’t you come down for a trial Gary if you can score goals like that.’ I said I’d love to. He said ‘come down we are having a game against Tranmere’. I can’t remember the date, and he said get some training in. So I did some training. It wasn’t training really; it was running up and down the road. I went down to Chester and this is how for- tunate I was. When I got down there he had for- gotten I was coming and in those days there was no subs. He told me to get changed and he said Gary’s family and Terry Owen’s son in front of the newly if anyone gets injured, because it was a private dedicated stand practice match, I would get on. I kept wishing ning or anything. I was just in staying in the box First Among Equals for someone to be injured. It was a terrible thing and banging them in. I decided I was going to really. In fact Elfed Morris, who was on the left finish completely with football but Chester asked Neil Bellis takes a look back through TB&W archives to bring you Gary Talbot, in his own wing in those days, got injured and there was me to sign for them full time instead of part time. ten minutes to go. They were getting beat 2-0 TB&W – How long were you part time for? words… and two crosses came across and I scored. If he GT – About a year. I got 23 goals in my first hadn’t have been injured I might not have played I was lucky enough to have known Gary a little. season. Then I went pro and I got 35. Then I and that would have been it. could have signed for Newcastle, Fulham or The first time I met him properly was whenT&BW TB&W – I suppose it is a bit of a fairytale Aston Villa and I turned them down. interviewed him back in 2014 when we did a special GT – I suppose it is. Roy of the Rovers. TB&W – Why? on the Famous Five forward line, 50 years after TB&W – But it wasn’t just that you were spot- GT – Because I had just got married, I had their exploits. ted in a charity match and then scored two in ten children. I was very happy, I got a lovely house Gary was in a typically chatty mood. He was minutes in a trial, but it was that you became the but I also had a business freelancing. All the always happy to speak to anyone and I was lucky clubs leading Football League goal scorer until nationals used to call me because I’d worked for enough to be invited to his beautiful home in Ec- Rimmer beat your record. the Daily Mail and I was the first one into North cleston with his old photography studio out the GT – Well yes. I’m not going to say much Wales when anything happened. I was there first. back. He took me to his dining room and there, about that [Rimmer’s record]. Well it just hap- I could have gone up to Newcastle and broke my pened basically. My main thing was my job was whilst pouring over some of Gary’s exceptional leg, or taken the family up there and they didn’t 6 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 the most important at the time. I was working like it or. We were happy. And I was earning photography, we spoke for a few hours about at the Daily Mail as a sports photographer – I good money so why should I change? that season, knocking back a whiskey at half time could choose any team I wanted to photograph. TB&W – Certainly a good thing for Chester and his photography business which took him all I would always choose a team playing in a big GT – I always remember a story. I went up to over the world. match. I enjoyed doing that. That was at the photograph Malcolm MacDonald for Newcastle, He spoke about the glamour models, the sheiks, same time I was at Chester. It was too much re- a big goal scorer. He had signed about a year the film stars, the football matches and all the rest. ally I was doing 70,000 miles a year. I was going after I’d turned them down. I was sent up by And throughout he spoke with passion. A passion on the pitch but I wasn’t doing a lot, I wasn’t run- ABC chewing gum and they wanted me to do a for his photography career, a passion for football picture of him in his kit. So they flew me up and TB&W – You got spotted when you were 25 in I walked into the dressing room at Newcastle and a passion for his club. And it really was his a charity game... and I met the manager, Joe Harvey, and in the club. He scored 83 goals for Chester, was the life GT – It was a charity game in Blackpool. I corner was a guy who I had played against, Mac vice-president and supported the rebirth of the played for some showbiz team. These were peo- something, I forget and he said ‘oh hello Gary’ club after its darkest days in 2010. ple like Tommy Steele and Brian London, all sorts and whatever. I went to say hello to the manager Alas, the notes from the interview I did in 2014 of personalities. It just so happened that day, I and I said ‘hello Mr Harvey I’m from ABC chew- can’t remember who it was or what, but I played are long gone. Well they may still exist, but I haven’t ing gum, I’m Gary Talbot’. He said ‘what’s your against Peter Hauser who was the manager of stumbled across them as yet, despite half a day name?’ I said ‘Gary Talbot’. And he says ‘it’s you, Chester. I scored seven goals. It was nothing fan- rummaging in the attic. So, below, is a partial reprint you bugger wouldn’t sign for me, would you?’ tastic to score seven because they couldn’t play of the interview we did with him in issue #10 talking I said ‘I’m sorry Mr Harvey I was busy doing my football. They could sing, they could dance and about one of the most famous seasons’ in Chester’s job’. So that was quite nice really. that business, but they couldn’t play football. TB&W – Thanks Gary. long history. As ever, his humility and good grace We went back to a hotel called the Imperial A guard of honour for Gary’s family jump off the page. We miss him.

Pictures Courtesy of Rick Matthews 7 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 8 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 who had lunged to get on the end of it. of end the on to get lunged had who the ball spinning a behind despairing Craig Hobson post, right-hand the of wide and grass to the on down, it send it to to a fingertip manages just who keeper the across and low fires He career. his of games best the of one playing is and match the in to shoot. shaping box yard six the of edge the on left wide goes Mahon as come never will which shot footed a right to stop collide they as flying defenders two sending left, his onto jinks he before to shoot right his onto inside to go feigning box, the of edge the reaching before half own his in Oakwell. at goal on down bearing is Mahon Craig and 2014 December is It Blues… atthe performances best of his atsome back look every club the leave doesn’t holder appearance record club The Change Chop and He has already had a deflected shot hit the bar bar the hit shot adeflected had already has He He intercepted the ball ball the intercepted He Courtesy Pictures Matthews Rick and Tery Marland of box and fires in a left footed drive into the bottom bottom the into drive footed left in a fires and box the outside just ball the up picks he half second the In before. day the arrived have boys twin new-born his because script the read not Craig’s but a result, get we’ll thinks one No Southend. at away Proper performances. fine many of first The goal. on through when keeper the over chip deft a with club the for first his by scoring comeback the completed Mahon half second the In equalise. to Lindfield Craig of head the onto straight cross swinging a deep sending before defenders two of tackles the past way his jinked Mahon but conceded goal early an with badly, predictably started It United. Hyde against clash table the of abottom for returning before loan on out sent was and impress to failed initially He Motors. Vauxhall from Blues the Back to 2014 now and it’s the FA Cup First Round Round First FA the Cup it’s and now to 2014 Back joined Mahon a23-year-old before ayear Just day, *CHOP* *CHOP* afond takes Bellis Neil

was the best weekend of my life”, he said. he my life”, of weekend best the was “It round. next the for draw the at TV on live all it about interviewed being up ended Craig and story to the adds celebration sucking thumb The corner. played for Chester for 160 games, I’m very proud. very I’m games, 160 for Chester for played I’ve to say privilege areal and honour an “It’s said: Horan’s previous record of 159 appearances. He the record appearance holder, beating George become just had He Dubliner. the for praise of full are interviews post-match the all that despite but cheaply ball the away gave he as second the for fault at was Craig Gateshead. at away goal gasp last career. Chester his saved arguably, and, Blues to the points three avital give to net the into and Coughlin Andy keeper Wrexham former of grasp the of out squirmed death the at shot aMahon then and acorner after Kay Michael through equalising game, the of rest the dominate to on go Chester and Southport for problems cause to starts immediately He bench. the off called is he strugglers fellow to the 1-0 go Chester when but winger little the for wall the on be could writing the though as looks It order. pecking the down Mahon with inconsistently season the started have Chester the previous 17 games in arow. in games 17 previous the started had who to Mahon including squad, the to hit start injuries when December in to unravel begins it but threat, of plenty has side the other the on Durrell and wing one on Mahon With high. riding are club the and season the of beginning the since well fantastically playing been has He box. the outside just from shot footed right shot low a with fourth the getting Mahon with 5-0 Dover It’s one season on from Mahon FA Cup heroics and and heroics FA Cup Mahon from on season one It’s September 2017 and Chester have just lost to a to a lost just have Chester and 2017 September It’s October 2016 and Chester have just pumped pumped just have Chester and 2016 October It’s *CHOP* *CHOP* *CHOP* 9 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 /Issue & White Blue 9 / The proud they were. It was a really nice occasion for for occasion nice areally was It were. they proud him by recapturing the drive and trickiness which which trickiness and drive the by recapturing him behind form poor and injuries of season dreadful – Neil Bellis Craig. well Go across. in sticking before times four a man beat would and a chop loved who man to Altrincham. move the making before United to Ashton out loaned was he Instead, season. 2016-17 the of beginning the and 2014-15 in was he that best scintillating the or turn-the-game-on-its-head Southport performance, of repeat another to be not was There around. time this side the into break couldn’t Craig season this of keeper. the from kick free along of end the onto latched he when things, all of about, came which agoal –and Dudley to Anthony cross – a low assist an with performance standout his probably was 2019 February in Boston against win 4-1 The place. first the in favourite a fan’s him made Chester. left have would who players derperforming un many the of one been have would he season, 2018/19 the of beginning the at contract his on them.” repaying keep and pitch that on hard working keep is do Ican all and grateful very I’m so me, for done have fans the what and me for done have gaffers previous the what me, for abit. it off shine the takes result the obviously but myself “I’ve had messages off my parents saying how how saying my parents off messages had “I’ve I’ll always remember him as an incredibly lovely lovely incredibly an as him remember always I’ll beginning the at games afew starting Despite a put and to run ayear have did he was, it As to run left ayear had hadn’t Mahon if Arguably, “But I will never forget what the club has done done has club the what forget never I will “But *CHANGE* *CHANGE* *CHOP* - Joining the Family On match day traditions is Lee Davies…

Is it the high-pitched scream from the Harry this piece of advice for the Mac as the opponent’s goalkeeper takes a goal referee is a vital part of the kick, or the sound of Cleggy’s polished tannoy fabric of matchday. When we announcements drifting across the stadium’s PA hear this quite polite request system when you know that you’re in your happy for the referee to get out of Fanzine place? Now don’t get me wrong being a fan of the our advancing player’s way, a Blues is a rollercoaster of emotions and not always small cheer goes up in the stand. happy, but there’s something about the match day We’re home. Day build up and fans going about their usual habits We decided to honour this match which builds that expectation before a game, and day tradition, which the boys love, and Ben is now has a kind of repetitive beauty. the proud owner of a “Get out of the way referee!” For us, after a morning of football watching the t-shirt. After that, Ben finally met the provider of On fanzine matchday logistics is Richard Bellis… mighty Westminster Park FC Under 11s we have this advice for visiting referees, Chris Courtenay “You here yet? Need to get set up soon. It’s plastic boxes till they overflow, and fanzines start our lunch whilst idly watching the Premier League Williams, Senior Blues Chair who sits at the back nearly two”, one editor says to the other. to slip out. Then we put a bag of pound coins and goings on. We then check out Rio’s excellent pre- We normally split the tasks. I’ll get the float a couple of fivers into the gap left at one end of match reviews on YouTube to gain all the insight because Neil picks up the fanzines from the print- the box for a float each. on today’s opposition before making our way to er – a couple of big cardboard boxes with fanzine Then we pick our spots and sell. At first, we the stadium early for the all-important pre-match taped on and a big number felt-tipped on the top. were uncertain about where to go, but we have build up and to join the Chester family. No matter how on time we are, whoever is our usual spots now. Neil stands near the en- On arrival we visit the club shop and pick up our earliest will accuse the other of being late. I have trance to the shop and bar (usually with Gaz in his programme and flick through the older programmes to admit it’s usually me, and sometimes I am late. wheelchair) while I am a bit more mobile, hanging Once or twice extremely – we struggled to get around the corner of the East (now Gary Talbot) on offer, sometimes grabbing one of them and a ready for three let alone two. But in my defence, Stand and the Harry Mac Terrace, but wandering fanzine too. Then it’s time to take our seats in the I have been moving round the country in the past to-and-fro to try and pick up sales shouting “fan- few years: Leeds, London, Leeds, Bristol, and zine!” now Carnoustie (north of Dundee). It’s not always Then the conversations start. Regulars start easy to ensure that you’re there on time when the off saying things like: “is that the new one?”, “I’ve 10 / The10 Blue & White / Issue #27 M5 is gridlocked and there’s traffic works on the bought it from your brother already”, “always a of the Swettenham Stand. M6… good read” before chatting about today’s pros- On his shout’s affectionate fame Chris said, “I Anyway, I get there and meet at Neil’s car. The pects as I sort their change. We grab the contrib- think it’s hilarious that something I shouted at a fanzines are in the boot. Huddled under the boot utors and insist that, no, you do get a complimen- match now and again, (without thinking) would lid because it’s probably raining, we tear the par- tary copy for writing something (but if you insist, have become so well known. It’s now expected! I cel tape from the top of the boxes, the taped fan- have an extra one). But there’s also the simpler love Ben’s T Shirt. I love coming down to the ground zine flapping off now, to reveal hundreds of fan- “no thanks”, or “where’s the away end?”, and, in- and seeing everyone. If we win that’s a bonus!” zines packed in like herring, and the smell of fresh evitably, the hated, “is that the programme?” No, It’s these little traditions which are all part of the print – the inkiness hitting you fresh in the mouth. the bloke shouting “fanzine!” is not selling the Swettenham Chemists’ Community Stand. My son match day experience for us fans. Chris’s regular I always have a quick look through the fanzine programme! and his friends record their match score predictions shout is just one of many which makes us feel part then and there, even though I’ll be able to see And then it’s five to three. Everyone has it later. After weeks working on it with Neil and cleared out of the bar and there’s only a few and, more importantly, their predictions of how of the Chester family, particularly those of us in the Charlotte (our excellent designer), it’s incredibly stragglers left who are in too much of a rush right many times they will hear the now immortal phrase Swettenham Stand. satisfying to see it in the flesh, seeing the lay- now. We head back to Neil’s car and compare (to us): “Get out of the way referee!” So, the next time that you hear the shout of outs, pictures and text in print after having spent notes on how we did – “alright, yeah, happy with For those of you not sat in the Swettenham Stand “Get out of the way referee!”, you know there will weeks with it on a screen. that” – before scooping more fanzines and all the it is possible that you may have heard this shout via be a lot of smiling fans who know they’ve been to The next job is to scoop the ‘zines out and money into one plastic box that we take in, ready the club’s match review videos, though you might their happy place, no matter what the result. Long into our smaller plastic containers. Unless the to sell more in the bar and Legend’s Lounge after have easily missed it too. In the Swettenham Stand, live these traditions. – Lee Davies sky is completely clear, we don’t bother taking the match. the cardboard boxes out of the boot. We’ve been Then it’s the match and we’re fans once again. If you would like the image so you can have your very own “Get out of the way referee” t-shirt rained on too many times for that. We fill our – Richard Bellis printed contact: [email protected]

Pictures courtesy of Lee Davies 11 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 Devachat Turns 20: with ‘n/t’ (no text) to let people know there was Deva Chat in recent years, but we’ll come to that no need to click it. in the next part. Part 1 - the First 10 Years In this first guise, Deva Chat seemed neat, tidy Gradually, the more stubborn supporters were and user-friendly at the time, but today it would won over by the new DC’s slicker and more intuitive look ugly and old-fashioned. To compound its design, where the most recently replied-to threads datedness, I’m pretty sure the font used for the would jump to the top. It served the fans well, and forum was Comic Sans. Still, it was a common as the internet grew, previously isolated supporters format for forums at the time, and mirrored that had a quick and easy way to catch up with news of the popular if somewhat irreverent non-league and rumours, and exchange ideas. forum Confguide that internet-savvy Blues fans were familiarising themselves with at the time. It was fine, but with posts displayed in list format, it was easy for important ones to be lost in the noise. Remember, 2000 to 2001 was when things started to get truly nasty and ridiculous with regards to the On the history of our favourite forum is John Murray… Terry Smith ownership, and I often think that we I became a moderator of Deva Chat in 2007. might have been a little more galvanised against It was an enjoyable and useful experience, but I When mentioned in the physical world, whether at this was that it cut out a lot of the dross, but it also him had been a few years later and more people quickly realised you can’t please everybody. You matches or CFU meetings, the Chester FC unofficial made communication very slow, a bit like reading were online. As it was, much of the campaigning were either a jobsworth with Nazi-like intolerance online forum Deva Chat might as well be called the letters section in a local paper where somebody against Smith (such as the protest march on the for anything you disagreed with, or you were sitting “Deva Chat (groan)”. The audible sighing and would be replying to a comment made last week. final days of the 2000/01 season) was led by the back and letting the lunatics run the asylum. I’ve muttering that follows its name is as universal as the There were some early forums knocking about ISA and emanated from their meetings, rather always favoured relaxed and tolerant moderation, whistling jingle at the end of a McDonald’s advert. though, and I think the Chester City Independent than as a consequence of people letting off their but this became increasingly difficult as the Steven You only have to go on there after a disap- Supporters Association (ISA) had one. These gave steam online. Vaughan stranglehold on the club intensified. We pointing defeat to understand why. There will be people an outlet and an easy way to communicate, would see fake accounts, propaganda and even hyperbole, panic, accusations, insults, rumours and wherever they were in the world, but one significant threats. I don’t think people realise how nasty often outright lies and inaccuracies, but is this just problem they had was with their lack of registration. Site Makeover and Protest some of it got. The moderators’ response to quickly a reflection of online communication? Does Deva Before long, trolls (if the term existed back then) (2003 – 2010) blitz posts and the strict registration requirements Chat deserve a little more credit than it gets? were winding up regulars by posting rubbish under introduced were entirely necessary at a time when Deva Chat, in its various guises, turns 20 years their username, sometimes creating the bizarre

12 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 In time for the start of the 2003/04 season, genuine fans’ voices and ideas really needed to old this May, and has been a powerful voice in what spectacle of users appearing to have an argument Deva Chat underwent a drastic makeover. Suddenly, be heard has been a period of huge transformation in terms with themselves. we had user profiles, signatures, avatars, private I argue Deva Chat was a crucial force in Chester of how we communicate, not to mention a massively messaging and all sorts of other truly twenty-first- City’s final days. Vaughan hated it, because he eventful one for the club. So, how has it changed? century features. couldn’t control it. It was thanks to DC that some of his underhand tactics became common knowledge, Before Deva Chat (1997-2000) such as the dubious minute’s silence for a mysterious ‘generous benefactor’ Colin Smith, and the leaked When the internet first starting to come into proposal to change the club’s name to Chester- people’s homes in the mid-to-late 1990s, it took a The Birth (2000 – 2003) Halton FC. Boycotts were organised through the while for the idea of forums to really come together. resistance, as was the resistance to the shambolic Chatrooms were popular, but they required everyone Deva Chat as a website was born in May 2000, The initial response of online fans was a little Vaughan-backed Danish takeover bid for the shell to be online and participating at the same time. It shortly after the club’s relegation from the Football lukewarm. There was an attitude of “if it ain’t broke, of the old club, as well as the satirical response wasn’t like a modern forum where somebody can League. It consisted of a blue background and a don’t fix it” among some fans who preferred the from Chester fans to attempt to buy Brøndby IF, ask a question and come back a day later to see very text-heavy posting format. quickness and simplicity of the old-style forum. which received national coverage. it’s been answered. The title of the post, even if it was just a reply, From memory, I think the two forums existed That was the first decade of Deva Chat, and Forums were often more like guestbooks, where would form a link that had to be clicked for the simultaneously for a while, with fans split between sadly the last decade of Chester City. In the next posts were submitted to the site master who would post to be read in full. If people only had a few their forum of choice. That might sound rather part, we’ll look at the forum’s role in the rebirth and decide whether to publish them or not. A positive of words to say, they would conclude their post title prescient to those who have only started using new identity of the club in a fully blown digital era. – John Murray

13 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 14 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 effect on the nation, whilst I think the former applies applies former the Ithink whilst nation, the on effect zero had has memes these of latter the that testify will March of month the in roll atoilet purchase to tried who Anybody kitchen. office communal the in up stuck messages these without complete Phil Catchpole… is fan ownership to leave decision Wanderers’ recent Wycombe On From Wycombe to New Orleans No workplace in the early ‘00s would have been been have would ‘00s early the in workplace No it’s both. Years ago, I worked for the former QPR QPR former the for Iworked ago, Years both. it’s cases of alot In supporters? club football of love the in bask and to try crazy or cash, of a stack club. afootball buying of notion the entertaining even to anybody perfectly path into the light in the shape of American investor investor American of shape the in light the into path a potential found have they but trees, the amongst story. other whole a that’s but uncertainty... financial of woods dark the into path the on off set Wanderers Wycombe when is which Park to Adams M40 the up Wasps advice and bad decisions made.” bad and luck “bad of aseries following £10m over just lose to personally hoping was he that revealed Wright 2001, in QPR the of hands his washed he tenure. Speaking to the ill-fated his of end the about bought quickly which Road Loftus at box directors’ the to storm tried also who fans club’s the from family his against hand of the personal abuse and death threats first- Iheard Wright. Chris chairman and owner Into the present day, and the Chairboys are still still are Chairboys the day, and present the Into Crazy in signing up to almost in certainly losing A few years down the line, Wright would move move would Wright line, the down years A few Telegraph shortly before before shortly

the manager and he has done a phenomenal job job aphenomenal done has he and manager the been has Ainsworth Gareth time that of Most pitch. the on club the for time successful alargely been has investment. his vote accepting Wycombe Wanderers Trust Legacy members in a from approval 95.4% gained and fanbase club’s the Orleans, Couhig has become a popular figure with New from lawyer Astraight-talking Couhig. Rob being that of a well supported non-league club many many club non-league supported awell of that being history club’s the of share lion’s the With Wycombe. at to work failed has model ownership fan the that too. this with helped certainly have team his and Ainsworth of efforts incredible The Park. Adams at one positive a more become has narrative the experience, day match the improving in involved getting whilst going it keep to money club the loaning initially By austerity. of era to aprolonged lead which Hayes, Steve owner former with relationship their of breakdown the at raw still were many as fans the over winning in job aremarkable done have Orleans) New from Wycombe to High moved (who has Pete nephew control. taking Couhigs the with year this earlier end to an came investment outside for search clumsy and along attempts, failed afew after and to give had Something business. a sustainable building than rather alive Chairboys the to keep costs cutting to prioritise had board club’s the meant owner previous the from inherited they debt the service to firefighters financial be to having of nature The service. customer and food appalling the with days match on frustrated increasingly become had fans whilst repairs, of need in and tatty become Park Adams seen has resources of lack complete The fans. the for good Wycombe into the Championship. get to fighting been has manager roll ‘n rock our season this and miracles worked has Ainsworth then since But him. to sack afford couldn’t club the simply, Quite campaign. 2013/14 a wretched after EFL the from relegation of edge very to the club the took he when job his to keep him helped finances of lack the that admit to first the be will under incredibly testing circumstances. Ainsworth There is for some though a tinge of sadness sadness of atinge though some for is There and Missy wife his with along Couhig, Rob so been not has ownership fan pitch, the Off Since Wycombe became fan owned in 2012, it 15 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 / Issue &White Blue 15 / The – Phil Catchpole –Phil COYB! either... changing be won’t that feeling the Iget and Wycombe at boring never It’s times. strange these in around are Couhigs the that grateful currently are fans Wycombe forwards. moving create will it problems the and 19 coaches making league appearances. goalkeeping 46-year-old of end the mean should –which week every substitutes seven to name talent (and presumably transfer fees), and be able to develop begin can club the that so team u23 an include plans Future recklessly. than rather improved sensibly been has squad playing the and million) talk. all not it’s but communicator, excellent an to be himself proven has he far, So task. atough is which numbers ance attend by increasing sustainable club the make can he believes and Park Adams own doesn’t Couhig point. some at investment his on areturn want will who Orleans, New from a lawyer of hands the in lays 75% other the whilst quarter’ the ‘protecting of task titled neatly rather the have now they as over from far is trust supporter’s the of work The forwards. facing finally and kicking and alive still is club the way, but Mistakes have undoubtably been made along the job. the on to learn having whilst time own their of amounts huge up given admirably have who volunteers of entirely up made been has Board Trust EFL. the in to remain were club the of out way one only was there seemed it so returns, diminishing with was it but regularity, alarming with around sent being was bowl begging the annum, per £700k over of losses With all. at that with wrong nothing is there And steam. some off let and friends day, see a match on team the behind get and to go somewhere is club football their many For club. the of make-up political the understood fans the of majority the that convinced really never Iwas ownership) stadium of grail holy the after (looking Limited Legacy Adams Frank plus board trust a supporter’s board, a club With alone. it of ago to make placed well were Wycombe felt The debt has been cleared (approximately £2.2 £2.2 (approximately cleared been has debt The WWFC the and fast moving been has game The Who knows how football will deal with COVID COVID with deal will football how knows Who know. wedon’t here, from goes it where Quite - Bar”. The English-born Chester supporters had a couple of the tourists – one of whom had only their loyalties torn with that one, so were probably got time off work by ‘throwing a sickie’ and was satisfied with a 1-1 result. To them, it was not without hoping his bosses wouldn’t spot his newly-acquired irony that the Scottish-born Chester fan on the trip sun tan on his return! was spending his break staying in the sweltering There was also slightly too much drinking, with top floor of the Hotel Argentina. the local bar staff not seemingly used to the almost Chester on tour Plans were naturally made for a visit to the 7,000 limitless liquid capacity of UK football fans. One capacity home ground of Vigor Senigallia. Our bar tried to keep us happy with an endless supply Forza Senigallia, Forza Chester City intrepid gang met in the basic café under the main of garlic cloves in oil, but we only ended up disap- stand of a ground which can only be described as pointed when we drank them dry of Leffe Blonde. Sue Choularton recalls a European tour with one key ingredient missing… influenced by Communist-era Soviet architecture, During the weekend’s final evening the atmos- complete with domineering statues of half-naked phere livened up when we heard lots of tooting It almost seemed too good to be true when Chester So they arrived in sunny Senigallia at various athletes. Here we could only glimpse the pitch car horns across the clear night sky, and it soon City announced a June friendly in Senigallia – stages ahead of the weekend, and were soon texting through the locked gates, and later visited Vigor became clear that nearby Ancona FC had just been Chester’s Italian twin city nestling on the Adriatic each other to arrange a Chester gathering around

16 / The16 Blue & White / Issue #27 Senigallia’s city centre club office to admire their promoted to Serie A. coast. The end-of-season adventure would involve pizzas and beers. This was a resort quite unused array of trophies. The joy of those Ancona supporters rounded off a civic reception, a beach football competition, a to visitors from the UK, with most holidaymakers The more adventurous Chester fans on the trip a great footballing weekend, despite the absence party night and a match between Chester and FC either from Germany or other parts of Italy. travelled further afield – to the likes of Ancona and of the promised Chester City match. However, I’ve Vigor Senigallia. Not only that, but return air flights The first get-together involved watching the Sienna. There were also mini-golf games, cycling only recently discovered that Ancona’s subsequent to nearby Ancona could be bought for as little as live TV screening of a World Cup qualifier between down the promenade and sun-bathing. In truth season in Serie A was the worst of any club - with £15 and temperatures were set to average 30ºC. Germany and Scotland in the aptly named “Jolly there was a little too much sunbathing for at least a record-equalling 28-game winless streak from But like most promises made by former owner the start. After ending the 2003-4 season with 13 Stephen Vaughan, the ‘Italian Job’ did prove too points, they were declared bankrupt and relegated good to be true and barely a month ahead of kick- to Serie C2. off, the match was suddenly postponed. Looking back, it seems we have had a lot in However, around 15 Chester fans who had already common with Ancona fans, but sadly their team bought their plane tickets, booked their hotels has disappeared after the failure of phoenix club, and organised time off work didn’t want their US Ancona 1905. European dream to die. They had gleaned enough Meanwhile although it’s nearly 17 years on, I from the patchy internet search engines available haven’t forgotten that the Chester friendly against in 2003 that this historic, but little known, part of Vigor Senigallia was only “postponed”. I’m patiently northern Italy would be a great place to spend a awaiting the rearranged date and can almost taste long weekend – without the worry of a football the garlic and Leffe Blonde. Bring it on! result let-down. Taking over the town – Sue Choularton

Pictures Courtesy of Sue Choularton 17 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 18 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 raising £290,000 for the club. As chairman Reg Reg chairman As club. the for £290,000 raising located, was ground training the where Annexe, the to sell was solution the time, the of directors the For League. Football the in promoted been have to never side only the remained Chester by 1973 ground was located behind the main stand. training the where Road, Sealand at up set the for admiration his expressed once had Busby Matt Sir –that tones hushed revered, in –Iimagine said was ( stand main old Road’s Sealand on doors. sliding well, some, of want the for –all tions ramifica big had have might taken if that Seals the of history the in moments doors’ ‘sliding on feature a three-part of part third the is This club. our of fortunes the on had not or had have –might made or – missing infrastructure that effect the is here in pitch? the off different abit been had things only if better, out turned have might things where history our of parts other any there Are years. twenty-five last the than competent! missed opportunity: if only we had had someone some was club the of ownership private of century a of quarter last the roughly characterised that mismanagement dreadful the Clearly stuff. field on- the on effect an had obviously has it that and eventful, been has history off-field Chester’s that skill, on organisation, on luck. on circumstance, on contingent: so been all has it but fine, is which again, North Conference the and… way, different aslightly going ball the of bounce the target, on being shot that clearance, cross, It could have all been so different: a better tackle, on club’s our had history? of infrastructure alack has effect What 3 Part Doors Sliding As Fraser Warburton recounted in his article article his in recounted Warburton Fraser As interested specifically I’m What certainly. Almost history to Chester’s more much there’s But, say to safe It’s stuff. on-field the just that’s And Unfortunately, as admirable as this set up was, was, up set this as admirable as Unfortunately, in we’re now and course, of different, wasn’t It Lands and Stands and Lands Courtesy Pictures TB&W#20 ), it it ), - Warburton Fraser of from Liverpool for £20,000 the next season. With With season. next the £20,000 for Liverpool from Trever Storton and 1973/74 in £11,000 for Bolton from Redfern Jimmy signing twice, aplayer for fee transfer record their broke Chester seasons two next the In worked. gambit the time This season. ground to Chester Corporation ready for the 1972/73 the of side city the on land of acres two sold they debts”. our to pay just money that use to wehave until on drift than rather success to get Borderline in (quoted time the at explained Rowlands The club was unable to raise the significant cash cash significant the to raise unable was club The gamble had got success but wasn’t sustainable. The aweek. £3,500 around losing were club the that announced Rowlands sold, was Rush after seemed well. All 1980. in £300,000 for to Liverpool sold was the same time, Ian Rush burst onto the scene, and At £630,000. of acost for 1979, –in one old the behind built was –which stand main anew opening stadium, the updated also and players in to invest Division Three and competed. The club continued final in the same year. semi- Cup League to the run historic the alongside 1974/75 in Four Division from to promotion side the guided Green) (and Brian Roberts Ken him, behind signings Chester) (for money big other and these shape taking Road Sealand at stand main new The The club had attempted the same before, when Except the finances didn’t quite work out. Just Just out. work quite didn’t finances the Except in stayed Chester continued, success the And ), “it is better to use our assets in a bid abid in assets our to use better is “it ), Here’s Bellis… Richard On the the On

needed to finance signings as well as the stadium stadium the as well as signings to finance needed just the Stadium left. left. Stadium the just was there time this Only debt. off to pay just assets scenario that Rowlands had warned about – selling very that about talking began Barnes Soon debt. in £400,000 was club the 1982/83, in club the of ing Three. Division from improvements. In 1981/82 Chester were relegated like land are gone, they are gone. assets fixed once And assets. sold they same: the remained essentially money raised Chester way that The revenue. to generate ability club’s the improve didn’t investment the but prospect, different very a was then back football course, Of sustainability. of one essentially was issue The stand. main new the or push apromotion in investing of purpose the nor place, first the in assets the to sell made When Eric Barnes bought the majority sharehold majority the bought Barnes Eric When My point here isn’t to criticise the decisions decisions the to criticise isn’t here point My We’re allstandingwithinametreofeachother 19 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 / Issue &White Blue 19 / The Chester City performing now? now? performing City Chester of owners former the are acts What heinous - itself? That might work. –Richard Bellis work. might That itself? for pay ground training the helps that hub focused community- of kind some of creation the through Say footing. financial stable amore on club the putting of purpose the with differently, invested been had around the same time as the Annex sale. did Barrow like altogether, League Football the of out dropped have could we and have, not might it But budget. ashoestring on well did certainly McNally – Harry promoted us to get worked have might this And player. promising odd the selling and runs cup on depending success mixed with division the in living of cost the with up to keep trying Four, Division in along to bob continued have wewould that is scenario likely most The Annex? Another scenario to consider is what if the money money the if what is to consider scenario Another the kept wehad if happened have might what So, moment. Really on paper Chester’s got everything Interview: George Delves to be as big if not bigger than those, it’s just getting everything in order on and off the pitch to progress We spoke to the club’s General Manager about his first year at the club… us forward towards that goal. That’s everyone goal who’s been involved in the club since reformation, to Editor’s note: this interview was conducted before get back into the Football League. Obviously, that’s the decision was made to furlough staff at Chester going to be a massive challenge. But it’s something FC, and before the National League North season that everyone’s working towards. Because we’ve was cancelled got that clear goal, we feel as a club it’s certainly The Blue & White: You’ve been working in football not a club that’s drifting along aimlessly. We have for quite a while. You worked initially at academies got a vision that we’re working towards, and that’s at Leicester, Sheffield United and Derby County to get back into the Football League. before going to Tamworth. Can you tell us a bit TB&W: How does that vision work on a day- about that journey and your background in football? to-day, week-to-week basis? What are the kinds George Delves: Yeah, probably like the majority of things going on? of people working in football I’m a failed footballer GD: In terms of the vision and strategy, it’s an first and foremost! I always wanted to be a player ongoing thing that the board of directors lead upon, growing up, and fell short of that. I kind of gave up and it’s something that they’re formally trying to playing competitively when I went off to university, build and get down in writing and stuff like that at anything in terms of the fact that ultimately, if we and I got into coaching. I was working initially for the moment. It’s something that I think would be have success at Academy level, whilst it will give Leicester’s community programme alongside doing fair to say hasn’t existed formally enough in the us players on the pitch, it will give us assets that some stuff with Hinckley United who were in the past. It’s something that I’ve always played a big we can potentially move on. We’ve seen the likes Conference North at the time. Obviously, Chester part in at previous clubs. Because I think it’s all of oversaw the full range of operations there off of Tom Crawford and Sam Hughes and players like are familiar with them as opposition. well and good having that overarching goal, but the field as well as on the field. that showing that that’s possible. TB&W: Yeah, nice ground. if you haven’t got the underlying success factors Then after four seasons, three of which were From a fan engagement point of view, as much GD: That’s my kind of hometown team. I ended and the lines in the sand that you’ve got to get in the Conference North then one in the Southern as it’s important to get fans through the gates and up working for Leicester for about four or five across to meet that, it’s quite difficult. It’s all well League Premier last season I had the opportunity generate finance in that way, it’s actually equally seasons on a part-time basis, and I was actually and good saying that we want to get back into the to come up to Chester. That first came about when as important to make sure that we’re driving CFU looking for a full-time role for a couple of years Football League, but there needs to be a structure

20 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 we were doing the Akwasi [Asante] deal. Obviously memberships and driving all that kind of stuff as well. after university. Eventually I got a chance to go and a process that we have towards that. So that’s Akwasi was taken from Tamworth when I was still And the fundraising group is exactly the same; with into football full-time, which was good. I first went a work in progress with the board in conjunction there. So, kind of got into discussions kind of around those ones it’s visibility out in the city I would say. to Derby, when they were just coming out of the with Stuart [Murphy] that at the moment we’re that stage. That would be around Christmas 2018 TB&W: It sounds like there’s lots of things going Premier League. I worked for Derby at academy trying to finalise. when we were first doing that. But I made it clear on to integrate the different departments in the level in the Championship for three seasons. Then TB&W: In regard to structures and lines in the that I wanted to finish the season off at Tamowrth. club to get them moving in the same direction. That I had the chance to go to Sheffield United in a sand, what kinds of things are they? Can you give Then I ended up moving up here in May. I’m ten seems to me to be what you’re saying, is that fair? slightly more senior role in the academy side. So, any details at this stage? months in now. Obviously, a really, really eventful GD: Yeah I would say that’s correct. That’s not to kind of working across the management side of it GD: I wouldn’t be able to go into specifics at time at the club, but a club that I’m enjoying being say that isn’t happening at the minute, but in terms as well as doing some coaching and various other the minute, but the best way of looking at it is that a part of, and a club that people from outside the that we’re looking at something overarching that bits and pieces. if you look at the individual departments within area probably don’t appreciate how big the club takes in all the different areas of the club in terms So, I ended up being in academy football by the club: the first team, the academy, the com- is, how important the club is to the city, and the of a formalised strategy both on an operational about nine or ten years by that point. I decided I munity, the commercial side of the club, the fan potential of the club moving forward. So, it’s a level, but from a medium- to long-term vision as wanted to try my hand at something a bit different engagement side of the club, fundraising, all the really exciting time to be involved. well. That’s something that the board are working and I had the opportunity to move to Tamworth, different working groups and stuff. We have to have TB&W: Was that your initial impression, of out at the moment. I think it’s something we haven’t kind of seeing the whole piece from first team to an amalgamated plan and amalgamated success Chester being a much bigger club than Tamworth? necessarily had, it’s been more informal and more academy, but also working on the commercial side criteria for those areas that will push us towards GD: Yeah, a hundred percent, absolutely. Every- compartmentalised, so that’s something we’re of things, the facilities – they’d just installed a 3G the Football League and give us the platform to one knows reputationally that it’s a Football League working towards at the moment. pitch, and various other bits and pieces. So, kind work on. Obviously, a fair amount of it is from a club. Obviously, it’s frustrating when you look at TB&W: Obviously the club is fan owned, and financial point of view. But you could say that about some of the clubs particularly in League Two at the there’s lots of volunteers involved in the day-to-

21 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 far beyond that at the moment. You talk about things being unexpected and getting dumped on the club, and that’s exactly where we are with it Support When Saturday Comes at the moment. We’d love to be able to say what players we going to bring in during the summer, The finest football magazine in the country (likely the world) is in trouble. and obviously we’ve seen that strategically the No, it isn’t us – though thank you very much for buying this. It’s When Saturday Comes, an club’s moved to tie down some of its assets that independent football magazine that has been running since 1986. They publish stories on all have a value in terms of your Joel Taylor’s, Brad aspects of the game at home and abroad, and care just as much about lower league football Jackson’s and George Glendon’s. But the wider as they do about things at the top end of the game, and the letters page is just a joy. Chester picture of that at the minute is that we’ve got normally gets a mention every few months, and both of the fanzine editors have written for the to work out a way of honouring those contracts magazine in the past. It’s just really, really good. that we’ve already signed if we haven’t got gate receipts. Who knows what the answer to that at If you haven’t picked up a copy before, you can get them in day and matchday running of the club, how does the minute is to that at the moment, but that’s the WHSmith (normally behind the flashier but much less interesting football that shape the development of that strategy? Are challenge facing pretty much every club outside magazines), or go to their website – wsc.co.uk – to buy a subscription. They have also just launched a podcast, which you can support through there any difficulties that arise, any opportunities? of the Premier League at the moment. Patreon for a few quid a month – just go to the ‘Supporters’ Club’ part of GD: Certainly when we get towards when the TB&W: Yes, it’s very concerning. Hopefully the the website to find out about that. board of directors get the process towards where authorities will sort something out… it’s reaching a consultative level, there’ll certainly GD: Yeah there’s a chance that could happen. Football needs independent voices, and this is the best. Please consider be volunteer groups and that kind of stuff that’s And we’ve got some other income streams. We’d buying a WSC, it’s worth it. ran to make sure that everyone has input into that, hope that there’s solutions to that. But in terms of because ultimately as a fan owned club what we what it means for the football side of the operation, don’t want is imposed views if that makes sense. who knows? Anything could happen with regard It has to be a united front. There might have to be to: will the season finish, will it start again in the decisions made that aren’t universally popular with summer, who knows? everyone, but it needs to be consultative and it needs TB&W: I think we should end on a cheerier note! to take into account the views of certainly matchday What’s been your highlight of being at Chester so far? volunteers, but also members of the working group, GD: It’s probably a slightly bizarre one. From matchday volunteers, the volunteers that man the an on-field point of view, Albert [Davies] our press Clubs who reversed that

22 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 Clubs who placed staff on furlough office in the week, absolutely everybody. officer was struggling for volunteers for Curzon decision because they definitely have enough money already TB&W: Obviously the Football League is the long- Ashton away in late August, early September, and I term aim, do you have any other aims at the club? ended up having to film the game for him. I was on GD: Yeah there’s lots of stuff short-term, but it’s the gantry at Curzon Ashton away, when we had really difficult in the present climate with what’s the whole of the far side. Probably – bizarrely – the emerged over the past couple of weeks [coronavirus] three or four minutes after that game was when I Chester FC to talk about much more than working out a way realised the size of the club that I’d joined. Because Liverpool for the club to… there’s going to be financial chal- I’d never seen anything like it after an away game. It Crewe Alexandria lenges for the club over the next couple of months finished three one or three nil, and I’m on a proper Tottenham without a shadow of a doubt. The climate just gantry thinking, ‘I’m coming down here’. Because Tranmere dictates that if we miss out on our final five home it’s shaking. I’ve got eight hundred Chester fans Bournemouth games, or if our final five home games don’t get absolutely screaming ‘we’re on our way’ underneath, played until the summer, we’re going to have some and that’s when you know you’re at a proper club. Wrexham quite serious cash flow issues, as are the majority It really illustrated to me the size of where we are of clubs at our level and the majority of the clubs and the potential of the club moving forwards. outside of the Premier League. TB&W: I’m glad you didn’t fall off the gantry! VENN So, all the focus really at the moment is on finding Thanks for your time. ways that we’re going to breach those kind of next #27 two to three months. It’s quite difficult to look too

Pictures Courtesy of George Delves 23 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 24 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 disaggregated medical data (that includes the sex sex the includes (that data medical disaggregated sex more for calls more currently are There groups. minority ethnic and women affected forth so and responses drug devices, treatments, medical how of understanding our on impact aharmful having to be found was gap data this of consequences the when recently, until practice standard was it as the research standard and extrapolating from man’ white 70kg ‘average the Using body. male ‘neutral’ more to the compared to research costly are frequently regarded as more complicated and bodies way. Women’s particular this in hurt getting are women many so why of uncertain weare that means gap data This area. that in findings reviewing article third the only of publication the marked 2014 enough; quickly not but too, accelerated has teristics charac player female on research scientific creased, rates. injury higher much cite studies many However, footballers. male of that than higher times 2.38 rate injury an found study 1995 cited frequently One footballers. women in common more demonstrably are injuries ACL thritis. culminating with early-onset posttraumatic osteoar sometimes losses, psychological and physical both of the game for a considerable period and causes out player impacted the takes which treatment, invasive and care medical extensive require often they then knee) their (damaging injury ACL an suffers frequency does not indicate triviality. aplayer If their but football in occurrences common are ACL injuries (anterior cruciate ligament injuries) As women’s participation in football has in has football in participation women’s As high the On FacilitiesTraining There? but are There Adequate Women Might from be Venus of ACL number McGuire… Coreen women’s in is football injuries - - - Google search and a perusal of the press reports reports press the of aperusal and search Google Aquick injuries? ACL female of rate the on light inferiority. their of evidence ‘objective’ apparently by providing groups these of oppression the justify and to way cement apowerful was differences such studying that clear it makes history Indeed, races. between and sexes between by differences nated fasci were who scientists nineteenth-century the and medicine, of history longer the to ignore is this but sexism, simple as trials clinical from women of circumspection. more with viewed is of participants), although race disaggregated data than athletes, suggesting that knee joint laxity is is laxity joint knee that suggesting athletes, than laxity greater significantly had non-athletes that find did but differences sex no found laxity knee at looking at joint knee laxity. A separate study looking another in or hamstrings the of delay mechanical electro at looking astudy in found were sexes the ACL injuries. of incidence the on impact a greater have factors environmental and social that to indicate seem fact in which topic, this on studies scientific the in out oestrogen are consistently highlighted. developed muscles, menstrual cycles, and increased women’s larger hips and wider pelvises, under- like factors injuries: ACL women’s for causative as suggested been have that factors physiological and biological the highlight publications Such might. it that suggest certainly would topic this on For example, no significant differences between between differences significant no example, For shed research disaggregated sex more will So, exclusion the attribute often calls such Relatedly, But the influence of these factors is not borne borne not is factors these of influence the But

- - ‘in-drawer problem’. That is, studies that find dif find that studies is, That problem’. ‘in-drawer the as known is to what rise giving on, reported usually not are studies such and astudy, for result supported. be currently cannot link this so findings relevant demonstrating in succeeded not have stages cycle menstrual and injuries ACL between pation. Most studies investigating the relationship partici athletic of by level but by sex not impacted bigger hips and this has an impact on ACL injury injury ACL on impact an has this and hips bigger have do women indeed yes, reveal that studies on pounds of millions spend we we? If can that, about much do we can’t though, is thing The difference. anatomical by absolute caused are injuries ACL that suggest which lie’, don’t ‘hips like headlines to write us allows difference physiological potential Highlighting differences. by sex fascinated been We always have interesting. or sexy particularly facilities, coaches, and resources. training, inadequate as such problems to structural linked are injuries ACL that indicate findings Such education. and training football-specific general is as critical, is manoeuvres high-risk of performance during control neuromuscular of development the encourages that Training skills. movement indicate the importance of developing specific obvious conclusions about anatomical difference. to lead necessary doesn’t this again but leg, kicking their to injure tend men whereas leg supporting their to injure likely more are Women groups. athletic other in injury ACL non-contact of risk the reduce strongly indicating that specific training could a more neutral alignment compared to non-dancers, in knee the with land dancers female and male Both injuries. ACL of incidence low avery have but tasks) rapid deceleration, change of direction, and landing (like activities loading knee high similar perform who dancers, ballet on by research supported difference. this obviate would patterns activation neuromuscular training to support safer muscular targeted using that suggested but athletes female and male between strategies activation muscle in difference sex find did study One unpublished. remain and drawer in a put shelved, are findings such no with those but promoted and published sexes) are the between differences (like ferences Finding no differences is usually a disappointing a disappointing usually is differences no Finding Investment in education and resources isn’t isn’t resources and education in Investment studies numerous that fact the is significant More is is key training specific that suggestion The 25 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 / Issue & White Blue 25 / The - - – Coreen McGuire –Coreen game. the hate women’s bodies. individual of aspects essential with to do anything than problems structural and imbalances power with to do more far has rate injury ACL systemic. are issues These coaching. and education, training, resources, equitable in by investing women and men help We can leagues. lower the in especially perhaps injuries, these from suffer who footballers male many the benefit also would training such vres. Greater understanding of the importance of manoeu risk high in to use techniques landing best the and strategy plant foot on footballers educate We can patterns. activation muscular safe ensure to programmes training specific in invest we can But to men. (on different are average) bodies stop smoking. to wishes who to anyone support and help offer we can work, responses immune way men’s the change can’t weprobably While countries. those in smoking of uptake in differences gendered to the down comes difference this that argued have others response, immune female astronger as such factors some researchers initially highlighted biological while However, Covid19. from rate fatality higher a have men that indicated have Korea South and picture. incomplete and a blurry reveal will differences physiological consequences, that this cannot be recommended. long-term its even or performance, on impact pill’s the on studies of scarcity a shocking such is there but athletes, female for advantageous clearly be would predictable menstruation make or pause, to delay, Similarly, thefrustrating. using contraceptive pill obviously is pregnancy of impact the on none and performance on shin-pads of impact the on studies multiple are there That physiology. female on research more weneed course of yes and helpful be would class. social to their attributed once were problems respiratory coalminers’ as much woman, a being of state immutable but unfortunate by the women’s health problems as being simply caused to dismiss easier it makes differences biological of importance the on Insisting what? –then rate Similarly, we can’t change the way women’s women’s way the change can’t we Similarly, Italy, China, from data preliminary instance, For on only focusing that I argue nevertheless, But causation the of indication an Yes course of Or to put it another way, don’t hate the player, player, the hate way, don’t another it to put Or - The real challenge to his Chester fandom was quarter of an hour, obviously expecting Joe to the ongoing maintenance of the pretence. Every nod appreciatively. Joe, to his credit, didn’t ask Monday morning it was, ‘so how did your boys Man who? But as far as I know he was never prop- get on at the weekend, Joe?’ and he’d start swal- erly tested on his Chester homework. Joe Nonentity lowing and gurning and guessing. ‘No, Joe, they After Joe left the company I lost track of him. lost again.’ He seemed to err on the optimistic Then a decade later he rang from up north for a side with his guesses – which would probably piece of advice about a business he was consid- - Chester’s worst fan have blown his cover straightaway with any real ering investing in. Chester, being down on its up- Chester fan. For a while it became part of our pers again, I wondered for a split-second that if, Roger Titford once made someone support Chester… Monday morning status meeting routine now late in the day and after a long incubation period, that the other three of us took a far greater inter- he’d finally and miraculously got the bug and the est in doings at the Deva than we ever had be- business he was considering was Chester FC. It fore just so we could check him out. But being a would have made one of those classic football competitive soul he did latch on and soon add- magazine stories: ‘I only supported X because ed Chester’s position in the league table to his of taunting colleagues, says club saviour.’ So, I knowledge of the last result. Though he’d never enquired, once more, ‘how did Chester get on at remember the result from a week ago! the weekend?’ And I’m afraid to say the question Joe’s biggest frustration was that, even went right over his head. He had no recall of his though primed with all necessary things Chester, Chester-supporting days whatsoever and there’s the clients still didn’t naturally engage with him no happy ending to this story. about football. Perhaps like dogs they could sniff Or just perhaps this time he was bluffing me? that he was a wrong ‘un, football-wise, even be- So, if you ever see a stocky, silver-haired Joe 90 fore he got to any Chester-related blarney. We lookalike hanging around the Deva Stadium, with did try setting him up one day at a meeting, tell- no idea of the club’s history – he’s your man, just ing the client ‘Joe’s a big Chester fan’ and stand- possibly no longer your worst supporter ever. ing back to see what happened. The client just – Roger Titford About 15-20 years ago I was working for a small tween the lower divisions without me somehow said ‘oh, right’ and went on about Man United for marketing services company in London. Joe noticing their promotion or relegation or current was a colleague, the only male colleague who status; a kind of ghost club adrift in the lower didn’t have a stake in our Monday morning foot- reaches of the pools coupon, fulfilling fixtures ball debates. And he didn’t have anything to say yet without leaving a mark on the league tables. on the subject to our many clients either – which Literally playing in the hole – of my knowledge. 26 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 he saw as a bit of a problem as client contact and The club that I couldn’t place was, unfathomably, empathy was a big part of his job description. Chester. So, if the Seals had somehow eluded my So, one day he came to me, as the company’s overworked sub-conscious surely they would be resident and all-knowing soccer guru, and asked beyond the middle-weight marketing minds of for my recommendation of a club that he could the real world? purport to support and thus look less like a foot- Joe’s brief was very specific. He wanted to ball-ignorant wally. He was quite specific in his know the name of the ground, the colours and brief. It had to be a club of league status for cred- the three most salient facts about ‘his’ club. The ibility purposes, thus not to lead into awkward ground and the colours spoke for themselves and discussions about non-league stuff, but suffi- I relied on my own judgement for three facts you ciently innocuous, distant and out-of-the news needed to know to convince an acquaintance that it would require a real hardcore fan to take that you were a scratched on the surface, if not any footie chat further. a dyed in the wool, Chester fan. One, they had Strangely, worryingly, the answer to his desire reached the League Cup semi-final in 1975, two, was already lurking in my sub-conscious or, more Ian Rush had started his career there and three, specifically, my dreams. As a football nut myself I part of the Deva Stadium was in Wales and part have always known in what division every league was in England. Being a bright fellow Joe was club plays during the current season. But in my quickly on top of these essential facts and had dreams, and it happened more than once, I was them solidly committed to memory. Though we troubled by the apparent existence of a team that did fear someone showing him a picture of Ian had crept secretly into the league or flitted be- Rush and asking ‘who’s this?’

27 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 Book Review Football Hackers: The Science and Art of a Data Revolution Author: Christoph Biermann RRP: £12.99 Publisher: Blink

Disruption is a buzzword for the tech bros of Silicon Valley – those who brought us Uber and the like. The idea is to innovate with technology, often through taking advantage of data, to create supposedly new ways of transacting business through what they describe as ‘rule breaking’. This is meant to be better, but often is not the case. Uber But it is clear that data analysis is changing how employed on players, and it’s here that undervalued might be great for the consumer, but is a dubious the game is thought about, especially at the highest assets – that is players – are sought for through a employer for example. In Football Hackers Christoph level. Biermann repeats the point made by Michael combination of video and data analysis, careful Biermann provides a digestible overview of the Cox (author of The Mixer) that after pass completion market analysis, and old-fashioned scouting. One fast-paced developments in the digital analysis stats came to be widely known, managers began of the really striking points that Biermann makes of football, where disruption is the aim but where to value high completion rates. In the Premier is who this system seems to benefit most: mid- the game has been largely resistant to being taken League, completed passes rose from around 60% level, selling clubs. As he points out, the number over by the tech bros. to 80%. Biermann then takes this into the various of players who could do a good job and add value Biermann, a journalist based in Germany, meets new metrics that are being developed in order at a team like Wigan Athletic is much greater the numerous individuals who are trying to gain to understand the game better. than could add value to Real Madrid. important competitive edges in football through Expected goals (xG) is one such There is then, far more opportu- 28 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 the development and use of data analysis. He finds metric that attempts to capture nity for them to find value in the that this covers almost all aspects of football - the quality of chances a team market. On the flipside – and a from tactical analysis, through training and player has created in a game in order point which Biermann ignores – is development, to budgeting player values and the at all levels of the clubs he owns. It is suggested to analyse performance – and what the purpose of football is: transfer market. that this has largely been successful, and whilst xG stats can now be spotted to compete. Whilst it’s great that Throughout Football Hackers it is clear that Biermann does spend some time questioning this on Match of the Day. Another teams like Wigan can find value, enormous effort is being expended in creating data claim by pointing out all of the other benefits having metric, termed ‘Packing’, empha- does that matter if all that means and crunching the numbers and, more importantly, a super-rich owner brought to both clubs – better sises the value of bypassing players in is their prize assets can be plucked by a that there is increasing interest from clubs in doing training facilities for instance – there is less critical attack as central to the quality of attack- bigger club? Biermann observes that big money so. The development of data analysis is the new engagement with the kinds of power structure at ing play – the more players bypassed, the better signings by big clubs only become regulars 56% of battleground in elite football. play in the clubs. Benham, though certainly putting chances of scoring. Biermann shows that such the time (which are quite good odds, it seems to This battleground clearly excites Biermann. He himself at some risk of reputational embarrassment, measurements are beginning to shape how coaches me). But what does that matter to them compared – somewhat uncritically – focuses his early chapters is in a position to dictate this mode of operating think about the game. to a club like Wigan? on the new disruptors in football, who are using to clubs. Underscoring this model is international But it is off the pitch that data analysis is really Football Hackers is a very well-written and data analysis extensively throughout their clubs. global capital – resources, including complex data changing football. Much on-pitch analysis only interesting journey into an area of football that is The professional gambler and owner of Brentford analysis, are moved abroad to lessen wage costs; works in retrospect. But forecasting and under- only going to get more important in the coming and FC Midtjylland in Denmark, Matthew Benham, is large sums swirl across international banking standing changing values have long been central years. But that importance, like Biermann’s analysis, portrayed as something of a lone genius in his aim systems. It seems somewhat divorced from the to international trade. Such analysis is now being could do with more criticism. – Richard Bellis of using extensive data analysis to inform decisions realities of the game.

29 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 30 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 was released by the club for being crap! crap! being for club by the released was he fact, In career. his finished injury aback before Road Sealand at annex the on playing and 15, was he when up set youth FC Chester the in time his about listen will who fan any reminds constantly –he FC Chester for videos quality to produce ues @bluntphil Contributors far more talented daughter, Leah – who contin – who Leah daughter, talented more far demise of the old old the of demise the after work for south’ ‘down moved she When dozen games aseason. games dozen to a up attends and Gloucestershire, South and Wimbledon between time her divides now She years. 20 nearly for committee their on been has joined the Chester Exiles supporters’ group and experienced DJ and gig regularly around the UK. programmes around the country. I’m also an Daily Mirror ShortLis in appeared has work written His @richardtbellis of editor an is He of editor an is He football. Colouring edited and to Falling Football, for contributed He Andrews. @neilbellis Daphne. blue, little new, one has and to Sophie married is pay. He will which anything about to write freelance gone now a senior reporter at the Chester Standard the at reporter a senior at the universities of Bristol and St and Bristol of universities the at positions postdoctoral holds currently and medicine of ahistorian Richard Bellis is following Chester City soon afterwards. afterwards. soon City Chester following Chronicle Chester as career her began who copywriter and journalist afreelance is Choularton Sue Chemists. Though overshadowed by his by his overshadowed Though Chemists. – Swettenham world the in company ing for the best community pharmacy work of position alucky in is Davies Lee for BBC Three Counties Radio. Radio. Counties Three BBC for football commentator and reporter Phil Catchpole left working in the PR world. Previously Previously world. PR the in working left recently has and fanzine this for team editing the of half Neil one Bellis is , which are both colouring books about Pundit Colouring and several match day football football day match several and Chester Tonight Tonight Chester is a journalist, producer, reporter, and started and newspaper she Special Ones Ones Special , he has has , he TB&W. TB&W. t, t, - -

@coreen_anne England. in when FC Chester support her makes (RB) husband Her Scotland. in when Celtic port sup her makes Dad Her 2020. August in lished Special thanks to Michael Kinlan and Jason Walker Jason and Kinlan Michael to thanks Special glitzy world of marketing services. services. marketing of world glitzy in works longer no He soccer. of side inglorious the for taste his of example another 1960s, the in football Division Third of mediocrity the of expose’ a‘searing , is Club Stationary Bentley’s Roy latest, The FC. Reading of history the of pub be will period interwar the in disability for @MarkFDowling shirt. Davies Liam amuch-coveted win him saw which league score predict-a- FC Chester unofficial inaugural the of winner was He odd). very (sometimes FC Chester for report match odd the to write known been several books on various episodes episodes various on books several published has and years 30 past the over of pages the in extensively written Roger Titford has standards the setting normal: bering book, first Her Bristol. of University the at searcher re apostdoctoral is McGuire Coreen ard the for writes now and Chronicle Chester the at employee time along- previously was Dowling Mark @LDavis_x now... right to Hereford trip anice for anything give would Walker Charotte and Ellesmere Standard. Port Measuring num difference, When Saturday Comes Comes Saturday When Chester Stand Has Has - - - - - A mine, the fans already hate me... hate Again” already fans the mine, especially interests, best our all in is this think “I said club the saving it’s source from relegation. anonymous An impending thus fixtures, remaining all cancel to decided they after heroes, HQ as League National at club the those at Many havecampaign. heralded it’s to positive response League’ ‘Clap National for the overwhelmingly an Trust had Wrexham Supporters the Funny that. per gametodecidefinalleagueposition. points use expunged: being season this for records league all of prospect dire the to solution unbiased undisclosed fee. only youhavetheabilitytomakeoreffectsuchdecisions”. and being well financial clubs the or your to insight little have we is people most for problem “The that: former Sopranosextra to the stating refused they for money,which trust supporter’s the asked He also going. club the keep to Linnets the for March 26th on fundraiser a organised sensibly and Lynn, King’s or staffwiththevirusjuststewardswhowereworriedaboutcatchingit”. of those at the game. In an actual comment he wrote on Twitter Cleeve stated: “Chester have no players encouraging Norwichfanswithoutalivegametocomeondownandspreadthe…Linnetscheer. of King’sLynnTownFC,StephenCleeve,hasbeencopingwitheverythingfine. Not the Real Blues News As things stand, it just so happens that King’s Lynn Town would win the National League North. League National the win would Town Lynn King’s that happens so just it stand, things As a completely propose has takentoTwitterinordergenerously began,Cleeve Since self-isolation Alex BrownfromBuxtonTown for an rated defender highly On 28thMarchKing’sLynn signed After the season was suspended, Cleeve immediately saw how dire the financial situation might be for After the game, Cleeve bravely stuck it to those snowflake clubs who were concerned with the welfare Cleeve with cancelled, was country in the football other most on whilst played King’s Lynnbravely time foreveryone, The coronavirus but theChairman and stressful pandemic hasbeenan unpredicted King’s LynnChairmanhavingaTotallyNormalOne the Nationalthe League campaign in the Tory the of in stronghold Wrexham, campaign ‘Clap of the for success Boris’ recent the fter for aclap for WST call lead 31 / The Blue & White / Issue #27 /Issue &White Blue / The 31 any league,from anycountry.THEBEST!” from striker, any above Shearer Alan having “I’m Johnson, said manager, Anthony FC Joint Chester the lateMaybankholiday.” over place take to final, a then and round playoff most engaging content. There will be a preliminary the on vote then will public The purple. colour the are that roll camera their in things and XI starting including theirtop10 albums, bestPremierLeague challenges will eachpostaseriesofcompleted Gaffers managers. club’s the between Twitter on 6 through9istohavea competition from steps places relegations and promotion the decide to only fairway that the have decided we deliberation the Thankfully much “After spokesperson: NLN a from statement resolved. be a can now beputtobed, following speculation can relegations rumours haveaboundaroundhowpromotion/ books, record from the 19/20NLN season the to void voted recently NationalLeague the Since TO BETO BY DECIDED TWITTER. REMAINDER OF NLN SEASON SEASON OF NLN REMAINDER LEAGUES IN: WIRRAL lose weight + LIVERPOOL play FOOTBALL 90% OF PLAYERS LOSE WEIGHT AND GET FITTER

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