Chester make ex-Wrexham, Carlisle, Barrow, Rochdale player interim manager

Chester make ex-Wrexham, Carlisle, Barrow, Rochdale player Danny Livesey an interim manager ahead of this weekend’s game against Spennymoor.

Two weeks ago, the club parted company with co-managers and former Salford City bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.

It came after they lost 1-0 at home to lowly Guiseley, leaving Chester in 16th place when it comes to the National League North table.

🔵 We can confirm that Danny Livesey will continue as Interim Manager for Saturday’s game with Spennymoor.

Given the importance of making the right long-term appointment, the Board is committed to taking the appropriate time to complete a thorough and detailed process.

— Chester FC (@ChesterFC) December 6, 2021

CLUB STATEMENT:

Chester Football Club can confirm that Danny Livesey will continue as Interim Manager for this weekend’s Vanarama National League North game with Spennymoor Town.

Danny, who is being assisted by Simon Grand, will remain in charge of the team as the Club continues the recruitment process to appoint a new permanent First Team Manager.

Given the importance of making the right long-term appointment for the Club, the Board is committed to taking the appropriate time to complete a thorough and detailed process.

“It is right for the Board not to rush this process in order to ensure we achieve the best outcome for the Club,” said Vice Chairman Jim Green.

“We have received significant interest in the role, with a number of high calibre applicants, and have now commenced shortlisting with interviews to follow in due course.

“While the aim is to make an appointment in good time, we recognise that we are approaching the busiest period of the season with three festive fixtures to prepare for and will continue to give Danny our full support until the process is completed.

“We thank Danny and Simon for their work in preparing the team for the previous two games, and we were delighted for them after Saturday’s result, as well as our fans for giving the players terrific support and vocal backing until the final whistle.”

We will continue to keep supporters updated.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Livesey has been in charge of a 2-1 defeat at Curzon Ashton in the FA Trophy before winning 2-1 against Leamington at the weekend.

After his first game, he said that he saw some encouraging signs having only had one full training session with the squad.

He said: “I think it was quite an emotional week for most of us because there are no lads at this club that weren’t brought in by Bern and Jonno so everyone owed them that debt. They brought them in and we all collectively have let them down.

“I think that is the thing that hurts the most. Whatever you say, every single player – I wouldn’t say anyone has stood out and been miles ahead of anyone else – every single one of us has contributed to them leaving the football club.

“It would be nice for this squad of players, which Is Bern and Jonno’s squad of players, to go on and win games to prove them right, that they were right to assemble the squad and maybe it was confidence more than ability.”

Asked about whether he would be interested in the job in the long term, after being made manager because he was respected, Livesey said his focus is on working with the players and trying to get results.

He said: “To be honest, that hasn’t really crossed my mind. I have said all along that I wanted to finish playing this year. I have really enjoyed it and have enjoyed the coaching side of it. The club has to make a decision on what is best for the club. That is all they can do.

“I just want to start winning football games, even if that buys the club time to pick the right person.

“That is fine with me because, ultimately, it is about the football club and the club winning games and getting up that table.

“I’d like nothing more than to see the club doing really well and fighting at the top end of the table, as a club this size should be.

“I think that has been the frustration from everyone – we haven’t been able to put any consistent runs together and get up the table.”

Other possible candidates for the job:
– ANDY MORRISON
– JIM GANNON
– IAN CULVERHOUSE
– CALUM McINTYRE

Livesey plays as a defender, and has made 311 appearances in the EFL, with his longest period being a ten-year spell at Carlisle United. He previously played for Bolton Wanderers, Notts County, Blackpool, Wrexham, Barrow and Salford City. He already is an UEFA B Licensed coach.

Honours

Carlisle United
League Two: 2005–06
Football League Trophy: 2010–11

Barrow
Conference North: 2014–15

Salford City
National League North: 2017–18

Individual
PFA Team of the Year: 2007–08 League One

Social media users reacted as Chester make the ex-Wrexham, Carlisle, Barrow, Rochdale player an interim manager…

Adam Littler: Give it Livesey til the end of the season

Dave Latham: They’ve done alright TBF. Players seem to be responding well to them. Early days, but COYB.

@Youonlysingwhen: A couple of wins and you’ll be right back up there #COYS

@tommorrey1: Danny Livesey’s blue white army

@FussballJames: Great to see so much clarity from the club over this whole process, and really pleased for Danny and Simon to be given an opportunity to further build on last Saturday

Jim Keegan: I’d keep Danny there for the rest of the season. He knows the game and this league inside out.

@MagnificentMata: No issue with this need the right man for the job #uts💙

@KaineHarris3: Let’s go on a good run now and push for play offs

@jimiant69: Quite right

@achesterfan: Waiting on the white smoke…..

@BrownbillJoe: Danny liveseys blue and white army 🔵😍