NANTWICH Town kick-start the new Evo-Stik Premier Division season with an away clash against Mickleover Sports on Sunday, kick off 3pm.

The schedule continues on Wednesday, when Weaver Stadium is the venue for Dabbers’ clash with Marine, kick off 7.45pm.

Jimmy Quinn's side will hope they perform better than they did in their final pre-season friendly of the year on Saturday, when they were held to a 2-2 away draw by Division One South side Market Drayton Town.

Goals from Maguire and Lennon were the highlight for Nantwich, but Quinn will hope his defence can prove to be a bit more robust in the months to come.

There are also big things happening off the pitch, after Dabbers announced that former Chelsea and England footballer Frank Blunstone has accepted the honorary position of club president.

Frank, who lives in Nantwich, is a familiar face at the Weaver Stadium and a season-ticket holder.

“Frank is a football legend,” said Nantwich Town chairman Jon Gold.

“His achievements in the game are phenomenal and, to this day, Frank is revered at Stamford Bridge.

It’s great that he’s agreed to become our president.”

Frank said: “I’m deeply honoured to be asked to become president of Nantwich Town Football Club.

Nantwich is my local club and I’ve always received a very warm welcome at the Weaver Stadium.

I’m pleased to do whatever I can to help the club.”

Born in Crewe, Frank, now 76, started his career with hometown club Crewe Alexandra.

Chelsea Manager Ted Drake paid £7,500 for his services in 1953 and his performances soon gained him national recognition.

Frank gained his first England cap against Wales in 1954 and, in all, was capped five times by his country.

A flying left winger, Frank helped Chelsea to their first League championship title in 1955 and altogether clocked up 350 appearances for the Blues.

He retired from playing in 1964, going on to manage Brentford and taking them to promotion into the Third Division in 1972.