PROUD George Horan is celebrating yet another success story with the Blues.

The popular Chester captain was named Conference Player of the Year at the Northwest Football Association Awards held in Manchester.

Chester-born Horan has played his part in the Blues’ three consecutive title-winning campaigns since the club was reformed and admitted he was proud of his latest award.

“I was very surprised when I heard my name announced as the winner of the award because the two players short-listed with me (Shaun Whalley and Peter Winn) had both played one league higher than me last season,” Horan said.

“I attended the event with my wife, Elizabeth, and it was really good to be involved alongside Jamie Carragher, Roberto Martinez and Alex Ferguson.

“I received a bit of stick from Higgy (Danny Higginbotham) and Linny (Paul Linwood) because I had to make a speech at the awards, but it is all good banter and it’s great to have a laugh after spending all day in work.”

Horan reserved a few words of praise for Chester’s life president, Barrie Hipkiss, who was presented with the Unsung Hero Award.

He added: “I was delighted to see Barrie receive the Unsung Hero Award because I feel he deserves an award more than me.

“I never followed Chester as a kid, but everyone around the city knows Barrie and like me, I’m sure everybody would agree that Barrie deserves all the recognition he received at the awards.

“I chatted with Barrie and had pictures taken with him after the ceremony and I know his wife, Pam, was very proud of him winning.”

Horan's impressive performances in last season’s Conference North title-winning campaign earned him the Conference award as he guided the club to success as captain.

He said: “Other clubs have tried to win three consecutive titles, but it was great to be part of the success that Chester has achieved.

“But it’s now important that we try and consolidate our place in the Conference Premier league and make sure we stay in the division.

“It was always going to be a difficult season for us because we’re a part time club with players in the side who have working commitments and who are playing in a league against several full time teams.

“I don’t think we have been hammered by anyone so far this season, but we have all noticed a difference after the step up from last season.

“I’ve been frustrated not to win a regular place in the starting line-up and I’m working hard to get my shirt back.

“We had a lot of players released from last season’s squad and now we’ve got a number of loan signings and we’ve found it difficult to gel.

“But it’s so important that we pick up the points from this weekend’s match at Hyde because it’s still tight at the bottom of the league table and it’s so important that we don’t get cut adrift.”