Player Profile : David Pugh

David Pugh was one of many a shrewd non-league signings by arguably one of Chester's most charismatic managers, Harry McNally. Despite never playing professional football himself Harry, as many Chester supporters recall, was a huge character. He knew football inside and out at all levels and when he spotted David Pugh plying his wares with then local Conference side Runcorn, he saw potential in David and knew he would be an idea acquisition for the Blues. But 'Pughie' as he was known by his Deva teammates recalls life being difficult under Harry's management. "The first few years were a nightmare with Harry," Pugh recalled. "He didn't play me in the right position" confessed Pughie.

But when Graham Barrow was appointed successor to Harry McNally, David Pugh's career saw something of a revival and he proved a big hit with the Deva Stadium supporters. David still remembers the fans chanting his name off the terraces and puts that down as one of the greatest feelings he experienced in his playing career. "The last season I was at the Deva was great with Graham Barrow in charge. I was played in the right position, we won promotion and I scored one or two good goals." Pugh continued, "the one I scored at Rochdale sticks out in the memory, I still have a lot on video. I watch them now and again. I still keep in touch with Chris Lightfoot, Graham Abel, Gary Bennett and I work with Billy Stewart at Liverpool. We had some great laughs together."

Pugh left the Deva Stadium shortly after Graham Barrow resigned over a disagreement with the board of directors. He soon signed for fellow league team Bury at a cut price transfer fee. Since retiring from the game, Pugh now works for Liverpool Football Club as a full time coach along with other former City player, goalkeeper Billy Stewart. Saddened to see how far Chester City have declined, the former City star firmly thinks the new management team can help restore the club to its former glory. "Oh god yeah", said Pugh, "things have changed here, but I think they can sort themselves out." Not ruling out a future managerial position himself, Pugh believes Chester have found the right man in Mark Wright to guide the club to future success. "You've got to have a proven manager at this level, someone who has an in-depth knowledge of non-league."