2:40pm Friday 19th February 2010
EX-Chorley manager Tony Hesketh makes his first return to Victory Park since his controversial exit tomorrow – but he insists there should be no hard feelings ahead of a huge UniBond League game between the Magpies and Lancaster City.
Vastly experienced boss Hesketh admitted he was proud as punch when he landed the job at his hometown club last season. But he quit to take over at Lancaster leading to anger and frustration among Magpies fans.
Hesketh has kept his counsel over his move – but on the eve of his first return to Victory Park, he has broken his silence.
“I didn’t say anything at the time but I feel I was not represented all that well by some of the reports and comments about my departure,” Hesketh said.
“I was ever so proud to get the Chorley job in the first place but the position became untenable because of budget cuts – and the lack of pro-spect of the budget being increased.
“There is no doubt that the FA Cup loss to Atherton hurt us because if we had gone on a run in the cup it would have brought much-needed finance in.
“It is no lie when I say that I had wanted to manage Chorley for many years. The job probably came a few years too late but I was still bitterly disappointed to leave.”
Hesketh has now steered Lancaster to the top of the UniBond League First Division North and half-a-dozen former Magpies are in his squad – and that ensures extra spice to the occasion.
“It will be a tremendous game and I really hope there will be no anim-osity or hostility,” added Hesketh.
“It is football and things move on. I have made a lot of friends in football over the years and no enemies, certainly no enemies that I am aware of.
“I have had two spells at Lancaster and two at Kendal and you never know, one day I might return to Chorley.
“It will be a tough game. Steve Waywell has gone in at Chorley and done a tremendous job with a tight budget while we are top of the league and we haven’t exactly spent a fortune.”
While that clash at Victory Park tops the bill, there is another big game at Shawbridge.
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