Blues News - 1985/86 squad to reunite on Saturday

The promotion-winning squad of 1985/86 will be reuniting on Saturday at the Deva Stadium.

40 years after celebrating promotion from Division Four in 1985/86, the players who featured that season will be reunited at the AFC Fylde game on Saturday. We are hoping that more than half the squad will be in attendance and it should prove to be a fun and nostalgic day.

Managed by the late Harry McNally, the team started the season in excellent form with thrilling 4-0 victories over both Crewe and Burnley and a memorable 6-3 win at Preston where Stuart Rimmer scored 4 goals on his 21st birthday. Despite a season ending injury for Stuart, in a 3-0 win over Orient in November, Chester ended 1985 as league leaders before eventually finishing runners-up to Swindon Town. Promotion to Division Three was secured with a goalless draw at Orient.

31 players were used in all competitions with John Butcher in goal and David Kaye and Ray Cashley also wearing the goalkeeping jersey. David Glenn and Martin Lane were the first choice full-backs with Andy Holden, Wakeley Gage and Player of the Season Bobby Coy starting off as centre-backs.

In November, Gage was replaced by Graham Abel while, later in the season, Ricky Greenhough, Barry Butler and loan signings Billy Wright, John Bramhall and Earl Barrett all featured in the defence. In midfield John Kelly and Milton Graham provided the guile while the attack was lead by Stuart Rimmer, Gary Bennett and Peter Houghton.

Ian Richardson replaced Stuart after his injury and loanee Steve Johnson contributed some vital goals in the run-in. Other appearances were made by Mick Speight, David Brett, Steve Fox, Brian Croft, Lee Harley, David Murray and Mark Sconce while youngsters Colin Woodthorpe, Richie Palmer and Ian Bailey all played in the Freight Rover Trophy.

Two players, Steve Fox and Barry Butler, are no longer with us but Barry will be represented by his brother Paul. Autographed programmes from that season will be available for sale on the day with any proceeds going to the PFA Dementia Department in memory of Barry.

The afternoon will start with the players meeting in the Blues Bar from 13:15 where there will be the opportunity for supporters to have a chat and get memorabilia signed. At around 14:15 the players will head up to the Legends Lounge and at half-time there will be a parade on the pitch where the team will be introduced to the crowd. After the match there will be further opportunities for fans to reminisce on that memorable campaign