Oppositions View - Chester City

How do you assess your sides recent form?

It has been very disappointing. The manager has said the same as well. Bobby Williamson really can't put his finger on why they seem to have hit the buffers really. They showed a little bit of improved form against Accrington Stanley but last Saturday's game against Mansfield was very poor again.

Williamson...Great away form

They seem to be enjoying a lot of possession without actually converting their chances. That seems to be the problem.

Where has Chester's season gone wrong after such a bright start?

I think one of the biggest problems has been the combination of injuries and also a couple of suspensions to key players. Particularly Kevin Ellison and Paul Butler. And unfortunately on Saturday Paul Linwood the centre-back who plays alongside Butler also picked up a one match ban. So that doesn't help especially in such a young looking side. There are only a couple of experienced players so when one or two disappear I think there is a lot of inexperience and therefore a few gaping holes.

Is manager Bobby Wiliamson under any pressure after recent results?

No I think he is okay. It has just been a very sticky period over Christmas and New Year. I am sure he has still got everyone's backing and it is very early days I believe in his management of Chester City. He has been applauded for playing so many young players who have shown promise in the youth and reserve teams.

What have you made of Chester's excellent away form?

I think they seem to be more relaxed away from home. For some reason

Ellison...Blues danger man

their home games have been very nervous looking affairs but when they come away from home they seem to play with a more relaxed attitude and it has brought free flowing football which is very attractive to the eye.

Who is your danger man?

I'd have to go for someone who can really turn the game on its head and that would have to be Ellison. Unfortunately he has not been very consistent of late but he is capable of scoring a spectacular goal from time to time and he does cause a nuisance in the area when he is allowed to go forward from a wide position. He is a left-sided midfielder but he has played in attack when needed - it depends on who is available. Williamson has prefered him wide but does encourage him to go forward.

Who else should we look out for?

Ritchie Partridge started the season so well for us but he seems to have been found out by most teams and he has been ineffective in the last couple of weeks which is unfortuante because he is such a good player in that Williamson likes to play with width. He encourages the

Holroyd...Attacking danger

midfielders to get the ball wide whenever possible. Williamson has also got a lot of faith in Chris Holroyd who scored twice against Accrington a fortnight ago. He has lots of speed and does show a threat on front of goal. He just needs that bit of confidence to push him on. Another striker who could play a part would be Paul McManus who has done so well this season in the youth team and reserves. He has been named as a substitute in the last few weeks and he did actually come on at the weekend but didn't read the tempo of the game. It was a little bit late when he was introduced.

What are the aims for the season? Predicted finish?

Well certainly the boss hasn't dismissed the play-offs yet but unfortunately the situation is looking a little bit bleak after the last few weeks. Realistically I think most Chester supporters will be happy with top half finish. I would have to along with that. I did think at the beginning of the season after so many good signings and the way they started the season that they may clinch a play-off place but the last few weeks have told me otherwise. Most people would have to say that a manager in his first season to put a new team together it would be a huge achievement.

What have you made of Notts' season so far?

It has been quite a surprise to see Notts struggle. The facilities at County does not really warrant a team that is struggling in League Two but I personally feel that their season has been very poor. On the whole there have been some very poor teams in the division so far.

Where do you think Notts will finish?

I would be very surprised if Notts fell out of the Football League I'll put it that

Butler...Returning to the side

way. I wouldn't have predicted Notts to be where they are now let alone relegation candidates. I would like to think they have enough to pull away from trouble. The actual club itself does not look like a Conference club by any means. I'd be very very surprised of they were relegated.

What sort of encounter are you excpecting?

I would like to think that Chester can get back on track this week. It has been so diappointing in the last few weeks and I am sure things will be better.

Have you got any team news?

Butler returning. Linwood missing out. Tony Grant could have a chance of being recalled but Tony Dining is still injured.



Prediction?

1-0 Chester!