Who's in line at the Deva?
By Chris Thompson May 16 2005
Having dismissed more than two third of the entire Chester playing staff, Keith Curle has his work cut out in the summer months to ensure that the coming season is no repeat of that bygone.
Having dismissed more than two third of the entire Chester playing staff, Keith Curle has his work cut out in the summer months to ensure that the coming season is no repeat of that bygone.
Chester finished 20th in the year that marked their return to league football, after 4 years passed when City fell to the Conference under the reign of the ousted American owner, Terry Smith, and in total, 3 managers have attempted to resurrect the disappointed blues fans after Mark Wright’s sensational departure on the eve of the new season.
Keith Curle follows successor to Wright, Ray Mathias, Ian Rush, who walked out of the club following the departure of his assistant Mark Aizlewood and most recently, caretaker boss David Bell, who has since moved to the position of first-team coach alongside former Gillingham caretaker boss, John Gorman.
Of the 20 players dispersed of, only two remains of the Ian Rush era in the shape of full-back Carl Regan, who is expected to sign on the dotted line having been told by new manager Keith Curle he is one of just nine players whom the new gaffer sees fit for a future at the Deva, as well as recent signing from Gay Meadow, Ryan Lowe. The other seven were each signed by Mark Wright. Goalkeeper Chris McKenzie will continue next year, perhaps though only to keep the bench warm, defenders Shaun Hessey, Phil Bolland and another full back in former Liverpool youngster, Stephen Vaughan have been told they will stay, as have midfielders Stewart Drummond and Ben Davies, and former Bradford striker Michael Branch.
Chester may be close already to buying a player to push former Telford ‘Keeper McKenzie from his first choice slot. Former Man United goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington, who enjoyed a great game when Chester visited Mansfield earlier in the season has been linked with a move back to join his former manager, Curle, here at the Deva. However, the official Stags website understands he is under contract negotiations at present with Carlton Palmer about extending his deal there for another year.
Another Mansfield player, Alex Neil, was released this week from his contract, and it is understood Curle is interested in acquiring the midfielder.
Scotland U-21 international defender Scott Morrison, who has also attracted the interest of Mansfield, Tranmere, and several SPL teams, and currently plays for Aberdeen, is another target after Chester sent out a representative to watch the youngster turn out in a reserve match.
And Gregg Blundell is expected to appear at the Deva in the next few days, providing Doncaster allow the forward to begin negotiations with Chester about a summer move. The former Northwich striker was key in Doncaster’s rise from non-league football to a stable League 1 side in consecutive seasons, and a striker of his calibre will be very welcome here at the Saunder’s Honda Stadium.
Keith Curle follows successor to Wright, Ray Mathias, Ian Rush, who walked out of the club following the departure of his assistant Mark Aizlewood and most recently, caretaker boss David Bell, who has since moved to the position of first-team coach alongside former Gillingham caretaker boss, John Gorman.
Of the 20 players dispersed of, only two remains of the Ian Rush era in the shape of full-back Carl Regan, who is expected to sign on the dotted line having been told by new manager Keith Curle he is one of just nine players whom the new gaffer sees fit for a future at the Deva, as well as recent signing from Gay Meadow, Ryan Lowe. The other seven were each signed by Mark Wright. Goalkeeper Chris McKenzie will continue next year, perhaps though only to keep the bench warm, defenders Shaun Hessey, Phil Bolland and another full back in former Liverpool youngster, Stephen Vaughan have been told they will stay, as have midfielders Stewart Drummond and Ben Davies, and former Bradford striker Michael Branch.
Chester may be close already to buying a player to push former Telford ‘Keeper McKenzie from his first choice slot. Former Man United goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington, who enjoyed a great game when Chester visited Mansfield earlier in the season has been linked with a move back to join his former manager, Curle, here at the Deva. However, the official Stags website understands he is under contract negotiations at present with Carlton Palmer about extending his deal there for another year.
Another Mansfield player, Alex Neil, was released this week from his contract, and it is understood Curle is interested in acquiring the midfielder.
Scotland U-21 international defender Scott Morrison, who has also attracted the interest of Mansfield, Tranmere, and several SPL teams, and currently plays for Aberdeen, is another target after Chester sent out a representative to watch the youngster turn out in a reserve match.
And Gregg Blundell is expected to appear at the Deva in the next few days, providing Doncaster allow the forward to begin negotiations with Chester about a summer move. The former Northwich striker was key in Doncaster’s rise from non-league football to a stable League 1 side in consecutive seasons, and a striker of his calibre will be very welcome here at the Saunder’s Honda Stadium.
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