Fundraising Nantwich match honours local legend 'Mikey' Chesters

A memorial football match has been held in Nantwich in honour of Michael ‘Mikey’ Chesters, who died earlier this year aged just 36.

The game at Nantwich Town’s Swansway Stadium celebrated Mikey, who spent many years with Square One FC helping them to secure the Crewe Regional Premier League title and other trophies.

He became their all-time top goalscorer with 127 goals. Square One FC folded in 2019 as champions.

Tragically, Mikey died suddenly on March 21 this year.

He was a devoted family man from Crewe who worked for Bridgeway Railway and was known for his kindness, dedication, and infectious love for football.

Before kick-off, the stadium fell silent except for the sound of applause, as match officials and players formed a circle at the centre of the pitch to honour Mikey’s memory.

Pre-match - a minutes applause in memory of Mikey (1) — Pre-match – a minutes applause in memory of Mikey

Square One Legends faced Nantwich Town FC Men’s Sunday Team in a closely fought contest, with the Legends winning 4–3.

Mikey’s brother Deon Chesters captained the Legends side, wearing the orange No.10 shirt once worn by his brother.

The Square One Legends’ goals came from Danny Griggs, Russ Schofield (2), and Shane Heron.

In a touching display of camaraderie, Griggs played the first half for the Legends and the second for Nantwich Town, having represented both clubs during his career.

At full-time, the Chesters family were presented with a framed No.10 Square One FC shirt.

The event raised £2,160, which was presented to Mikey’s wife, Vicki, and their four young daughters.

John Bebbington (left), the Square One Assistant Manager, presents framed No.10 Square One FC shirt to Chesters family (1) — John Bebbington (left), Square One assistant manager, presents framed No.10 Square One FC shirt to Chesters family

Speaking on behalf of the family, a representative said: “We are deeply touched by the love and support shown for Mikey.

“Seeing so many friends, teammates, and supporters come together in his memory means the world to us.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special — Mikey would have been so proud.”

Square One Legends manager Matt Rimmer added: “What a day, what a turn out for an absolute legend, Mikey Chesters.

“We’ve made £2,160 for his family — a big thank you to everyone who turned up to help make this such a great day, and to top it off, Square One Legends won 4–3.

“A massive thank you to Nantwich Town FC Men’s Sunday Team — what a great set of lads they all are.”

(Story and pics by Jonathan White)