IAN RUSH: BLUNDELL PARK MEMORIES

The legendary striker (photo: AceKindred, Wikipedia Commons)

LEGENDARY Liverpool and Juventus goalscorer Ian Rush has a hatful of memories about his time at the top - but he also recalls playing against The Mariners in his early days as a Chester player.

It was in the 1978-79 season, and, though not a regular first-teamer,  he came on as a substitute for the last 20 minutes in a Division Three match against Grimsby Town.

In his autobiography,  he describes the pitch at Blundell Park as "a  lovely surface to play on".

He continues: "Grimsby were managed by George Kerr and, though mid-table, I sensed they would do well.

"Their players were  snapping at our lads all the time, never giving us time on the ball.

"Every time I received it, one of their men would be breathing down my neck, putting a foot in, stopping me playing.

"When you have an entire team constantly doing that, it tends to prevent the skilful players in the opposition doing their stuff.

 "The more it goes on in a game, the more those skilful players get fed up.

"In an attempt to find some space they wander, and the next thing you know the whole shape and form of your side has gone to pot."

Despite this, it was Chester who had the last laugh - winning 2-0 to complete a double over The Mariners.

Rush - The Autobiography (Ebury Press, £6.99) is available from bookshops, online retaailers  and also, on loan, from Cleethorpes Library