Big Time could well be in store for the yard that Michael built

In this corner of Cheshire, it's squeaky saddle time – as a football manager who was once big in these parts nearly said.

In 48 hours time it's Chester's May meeting, three days that matter hugely to anyone who trains just a few miles down the A41.

When you operate out of the palatial set-up built by Michael Owen – a man born in Chester, for all his footballing links to Liverpool – the significance is colossal.