Davies keen to keep hold of Linwood

May 12 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER CITY manager Simon Davies will try to resolve the future of influential central defender Paul Linwood, when the pair meet at the Deva Stadium tomorrow.

The 24-year-old former Tranmere Rovers defender, who made a clean sweep of all of City’s major Player of the Season awards, becomes a free agent at the end of next month, but Davies is keen to extend the player’s stay at the Deva Stadium.

Davies would like to see Linwood as the cornerstone of City’s side next season, as they look to improve on the disappointing performances of the season that has just finished, which saw them finish in 22nd place in League Two.

The City boss is hopeful that he can persuade Linwood to put pen to paper. He said: “We spoke together about a new contract a few weeks ago, but Paul quite naturally wanted to see which league we would be in before committing himself.

“He seems to enjoy playing for Chester and he has just finished an outstanding season, so I hope we can reach an agreement.”

Linwood, talking about the forthcoming meeting, said: “The club hasn’t set me a deadline, so we will sit down and things will get sorted out.

“I couldn’t have asked for more this season. I’ve enjoyed every minute, although there have been bad times. There is a young team here (at Chester City) now, and hopefully they can grow.”

Chester are awaiting decisions from defenders Kevin Sandwith and Sean Newton and striker Chris Holroyd, who are considering their futures with the club after being offered new contracts on Friday.

Seven players, including former Everton and Manchester City midfield player Tony Grant, were released by City last week.

Davies is now making plans for the forthcoming Coca-Cola League Two campaign which starts in August. However, last night he was remaining tight-lipped about his potential targets.

However, it is understood that Davies is tracking a couple of strikers to bolster his under-achieving strike force.