Grenville Millington

Best of luck to Chester FC legend and former goalkeeper, Grenville Millington, today on his sponsored walk. The ever popular Millington is aiming to walk the 13 miles from Wrexham FC’s Racecourse ground to the Deva Stadium. The walk is in aid of Chester FC’s aim to raise some much needed funds. Accompanying Grenville on his epic 13 miles walk will be Blues fans, Ed Jones and Mike Cartwright.

Grenville Millington

Grenville Millington

For those of you who need reminding of Grenville Millington and his career, carry on reading.  Millington played the majority of his career at Chester FC, but he did also wear the Red of Wrexham. He is best known however for his stint at Chester FC. In 2005 he was voted the club’s BBC Cult Hero. Goalkeeping obviously ran through the Millington family’s blood. Grenville is also the younger brother of Tony Millington, who played in goal for Wales.

Here are a few snippets of his illustrious career. Millington made his Chester debut as a 17-year-old in April 1969 in the final home game of the season against Lincoln City. Coincidentally, this match was also a landmark for another Blues legend. The game was the last for prolific goal scoring club legend, Gary Talbot.

However, this was to be Millington’s only appearance for Chester before being released. After his release he returned to Rhyl, where he had started as a youngster. He returned to Chester in November 1973. His first game back was in an FA Cup win over Telford United. His arrival meant he replaced John Taylor as first-choice goalkeeper at the club.

Probably Millington’s best spell for Chester was in the 1974–75 season. It was without doubt one of Chester’s finest. Remarkably, Chester reached the Football League Cup semi–finals and won promotion from Division Four. Millington was in top form during this season and was vital to both successes as he played in every game. He memorably made an outstanding save from Malcolm MacDonald in the quarter-finals giant killing win over Newcastle United. The season also saw him set the club record for the longest run without conceding a goal.

Grenville Millington’s Later Career

Although Grenville Millington began the 1982/83 season as Chester’s Number One, an arm injury in a home defeat by Mansfield Town in October 1982 marked the beginning of the end of his playing days with the club. Millington was released two months later but rejoined the club on non-contract terms in March 1983. It was during this phase of his career that he combined being cover for Phil Harrington with a coaching role at the club. He played in the final game of the season before joining non–league side Oswestry Town in the summer of 1983.

Millington did however return to the Football League the following season when he made 13 league appearances for Chester’s arch rivals Wrexham. This turned out to be his final swansong. And thus there ended an illustrious career.

In the late 1990s, Millington became goalkeeping coach with both Wrexham and Chester and worked on and off for Chester until he left again in February 2006. 

Sponsored Walk

As mentioned Grenville Millington is taking on a 13 mile sponsored walk from Wrexham to Chester. Credit must also go to those at Wrexham FC who have lent their support. Grenville has been promised a send off from The Racecourse ground. Hopefully it won’t be the two-fingered send off variety!!!. Only kidding, I’m sure it won’t be.

If you see Grenville, Ed and Mark along the way on the A483 or walking through Chester, then don’t forget to give them your support. If you want to sponsor the guys on their walk, you can donate online HERE.

The walkers are hoping to arrive at the Deva Stadium around 7pm, just before Chester’s game against Leyton Orient. Let’s hope the walk is a success and the subsequent match is as well with another 3 points for Chester.

For More Posts On Chester Football Club – See Links Below

Chester Football Club – Information on the history of Chester Football Club – Click HERE.

Goings On At Chester FC – Chester FC sack manager, Marcus Bignot. More chaos at Chester FC. More details HERE.

Chester FC – Post about the financial plight of Chester Football Club – see more HERE.

Gary Talbot – A tribute to Chester Football Club goal scoring legend, Gary Talbot – read more HERE.

For More Information On Chester and Chester Lifestyle

If you are looking for more information on the beautiful city of Chester and Chester Lifestyle – click HERE.