WITH a name like his, Sid Chesters was always destined to become a regular on the Sealand Road terraces.
Having watched his first match in 1929 when Chester FC was playing in the Cheshire County League, Sid became one the club’s most loyal supporters over the next 80 years watching more than 1,000 matches.
Great-grandfather Sid, of Stamford Road, Blacon, died last week at the age of 93.
“He lived for Chester FC and everybody knew him down at the ground,” said grandson Neil Boden.
“He always stood on the terraces and would go to every home game. He used to stand on the old Sealand Road end and then he would stand on the Harry McNally Terrace when we moved to the new ground.
“Even in his later years he would insist on standing behind the goal. I used to try and get him to come and sit in the stand but he never would.”
Sid saw the club gain entry to the Football League in 1931 and witnessed some of the most memorable moments in the club’s history including the ‘Famous Five’ frontline in 1964/65 and the run to the League Cup semi-finals in 1974/75.
“He used to love talking about his favourite matches and players,” said 40-year-old Neil.
“Stuart Rimmer was one of his favourites and he loved Gary Talbot and Grenville Millington too. He liked Gary Bennett as well – he used to say he was a real character.
“He did not get to see Chester win too many trophies but he saw them win a few and he used to live for the Wrexham away matches.”
Neil said his grandfather was heartbroken when Chester dropped out of the Football League in May 2000 but he continued to watch as many matches as he could.
Unfortunately, ill health meant Sid missed the 1-0 win over Scarborough in 2004 which secured the club’s first title in 77 years and return to the Football League.
“He had watched every game that season but missed the last couple because he wasn’t well enough,” said Neil.
“He was absolutely made up a few days later when the manager Mark Wright came round to his house with the league trophy. That was a nice touch.”
Sid, whose wife Mary died about five years ago, had two daughters Pat and Beryl, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He worked for many years as a window cleaner and was well-known for pushing his wheelbarrow around Chester.
“All the other window cleaners had cars or vans but he was traditional and always kept his wheelbarrow,” said Neil.
“He used to go out to the Royal British Legion in Blacon but Chester FC was his real passion. He lived for the club and he will be laid to rest with his cap, his scarf and his shirt.”
Chester FC director Mark Howell has fond memories of standing on the terraces with Sid as a young supporter.
He said: “I am sure I speak for all of my colleagues on the board of Chester FC when I say that Sid will be very sadly missed.
“My earliest memories of watching Chester always involve Sid and his grandson Neil. He used to tell all of us ‘young uns’ tales of the olden days as we stood by him on the Sealand Road End. And he always had his cap on, rain, wind or sun.
“Sid had been going to games for nearly 85 years, his first game being in 1929, which is a remarkable lifetime’s passionate support. Our thoughts and kindest wishes are with his family at this sad time.
“Rest in peace Sid, a gentleman and a real true Blue.”
Sid’s funeral takes place at noon on Thursday, December 20 at Holy Trinity Church in Norris Road, Blacon.