Rutherford believes ‘boo-boys’ will provide extra motivation for victory

(Photo: Media Image)
By Jonny Leighfield
Wrexham midfielder Paul Rutherford admits he will thrive on any abuse he receives in the Anglo-Welsh derby against Chester tonight.
Rutherford signed his first professional contract with Chester in 2005 and played for The Blues for four years before similar spells at Barrow and Southport, joining Wrexham in the summer of 2016.
The midfielder started both cross-border derbies last term but escaped most of the stick as John Rooney took the brunt, having joined directly from Chester.
Since then, Rooney has departed The Racecourse Ground for Guiseley and Rutherford is well aware that the target is now firmly planted on his back.
Rutherford told The Leader: “I don’t mind, I like getting the stick. I had it when I was at Barrow and Southport so it is nothing new for me to get some stick from Chester fans.
“It does give you that little boost. You want to get one over on them and rub it in their faces a little bit,” he said.
Wrexham will have the backing of 1,200 travelling fans this evening at The Deva Stadium and Rutherford admits the atmosphere in the derby is something special.
“One of my first appearances for Chester was at Wrexham and that was a real eye opener for me.
“Playing in the derby as a Wrexham player was probably better. The away game was my favourite game of last season, the atmosphere we created was a different class,” he said.
While Rutherford is not renowned for his goal-scoring prowess, he said that if the opportunity does present itself he will not hold back out of respect for a former club.
“I scored against Chester for Barrow and celebrated. At the end of the day I am here to do a job. I enjoy scoring goals, they don’t happen often so when they do I celebrate them,” he said.