Davies confident Chester can turn fortunes around

Aug 23 2008 by Neil Turner, Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER CITY break new ground today, when they travel to the Don Valley Stadium to face Rotherham United in Coca-Cola League Two.

The Yorkshiremen moved to the Sheffield athletics arena in the summer, after they fell out with the owners of their Millmoor ground over a rental dispute.

Rotherham started this season on minus 17 points, following a Football League enquiry into their financial affairs. However, they have eroded that by six points after winning their opening two matches.

By contrast Chester have lost their two openers and conceded eight goals, so manager Simon Davies is hopeful of a change of fortune.

“By any standards we haven’t had the best of starts, but the players have knuckled down and we are really up for this game,” he said. “The next three matches are massive for us. This weekend we’ve got Rotherham followed by Barnet at home and Bury. The next three matches are big in terms of the whole season.”

Davies has been joined by former Tranmere Rovers striker Wayne Allison, who has taken over the duties of assistant manager.

The 39-year-old is relishing the challenge. he said: “Simon gave me a call and asked me to come in and I jumped at the chance.

“We have always spent time together and shared views about football. We have the same views and that’s why he called me in.”

City’s only doubt this afternoon surrounds the fitness of striker Ryan Lowe, who sustained a hamstring injury in training.

Chester City (from): Danby, J Vaughan, Kelly, Linwood, Butler, Wilson, Partridge, Roberts, Mannix, Mozika, Harris, Dinning, Ellison, S Vaughan, Lowe, Taylor, Hughes, Barry.