FANS’ favourite Michael Wilde is planning to play a key role in his team’s bid to clinch a second successive league championship title.
The prolific marksman, who scored 36 goals in 43 matches to win the Golden Boot Award in the Blues’ victorious Division One North campaign last season, believes he can help his team to further glory.
The 28-year-old has now recovered from a broken collarbone he suffered in a pre-season friendly and after injuring his ankle during Chester’s 1-1 draw at Buxton in October.
“It’s been a thoroughly frustrating season for me so far compared to all the success the team achieved and the way I was scoring so many goals,” said Wilde “It’s been stop start for me so far, but I suppose that’s part and parcel of football.
“The broken collarbone set me back a little bit and it took me until mid November to really get going again, but I also rolled my ankle which put the blocks on any further progress.
“I’m now looking to find a bit of consistency, but I’ve first got to try and nail down a first team place before I can focus on scoring as many goals as I did last season.
“My shoulder has now healed and I only really feel it when it prevents me from doing some work in the gym, but I’m pleased I’m able to play football once more.
“It’s been a freak of nature to see three Chester players all suffer broken collarbone injuries this season with Ashley Williams and Levi Mackin also being sidelined.
“I’ve never been at a club that has had three players suffer such an injury. It’s been really frustrating for all of us, but I hope Ashley and Levi can return to action sooner rather than later.
“I’m not too disappointed about my six goals so far this season considering how long I have been out and the number of times I have been named as a substitute since my return to action.
“Every player understandably wants to start and I’m no different, but it is a case of being patient with Matty (McNeil), Jamie (Rainford) and Simmo (Chris Simm) doing well.
“Luckily for the team Matty has been doing excellent by leading the line.
“Everybody has been pleasantly surprised by how well he has been doing. He has been a big factor in the team’s success and has popped up with 13 goals as well as working really hard.
“I’d love to start a few games alongside Matty because I thought we did okay when we played together against North Ferriby United in the 5-1 FA Trophy win and I feel the team would benefit from our partnership being given more of a chance.”
Currently balancing his football with life as a student, as a new father after his wife, Adele, gave birth to their son, Kaiden, nine weeks ago, and as a hardworking and respected Chester player both on and off the pitch, Wilde added: “My mind has been everywhere since Adele gave birth to Kaiden, but I’m starting to get a lot more sleep now than I did when he was born!
“I’m really looking forward to my next Soccer School which is being held at Blacon Sports College later this month during the half term holidays.
“Last year’s Soccer School was a very successful pilot scheme and this year’s event has a different slant with the addition of a street dance school.
“Youngsters involved on the course will work towards actually performing in front of one of our home crowds later this season.
“I’m delighted to report that our Soccer School has already reaped the reward of it’s success by producing a couple of youngsters who are now part of the Chester FC Under 14s team.
“It’s great that young players can be fed into our club system as that was the original objective of the Soccer Schools. Hopefully that will continue.
“We are a fan-owned club and the whole ethos is for the community to be involved by encouraging youngsters, their family and friends to enjoy the community spirit the club has helped to create.”
- Chester FC’s Soccer School will take place between Wednesday and Friday, February 15-17 (9.30am-3.30pm), while the MW Sports Dance Academy will also take place across the same dates.
The Soccer School is limited to 80 children and costs £50 per child, or £45 for Junior Blues, while the Dance Academy is limited to 40 children, and costs £40 per child.
All cheques should be made payable to: MW Sports, and addressed to Chester FC, Exacta Stadium, Bumpers Lane, Chester CH1 4LT.
Further details can be obtained by ringing MW Sports on 07864281447, or by emailing: mwsports@chesterfc.com