MERLIN's magic wand is working overtime in his quest to conjure a football miracle.

Gordon Hill was nicknamed Merlin when he starred for Manchester United and England as a flying winger.

Two decades later, Hill finds himself in the dungeon-like surroundings of cash-strapped Chester City.

But now salvation could be at hand in the form of new owner Liverpool businessman Steve Vaughan, who yesterday sealed a takeover of the club from controversial American Terry Smith.

Vaughan is an ambitious, high profile boxing promoter in Liverpool and a former chairman of UniBond League side Barrow.

His business partner Lee Maloney said: ''We're going to make a new start and we need people to come back through the turnstiles.

''We're the new owners with new ideas and we're making a fresh start and we're going to wipe the slate clean.''

New era

Hill, for one, will hope Vaughan's arrival signals the dawn of a bright new era at the Deva Stadium after what has been a torrid introduction to management.

Smith had alienated himself with the fans ever since City lost their Football League status in 1999 and Hill admits he found himself stuck in the middle of the fall-out between owner and fans.

Up until today, the Nationwide Conference side had won just twice with Hill coming under increasing fire from disgruntled fans despite operating with a skeleton squad.

He told M.E.N. Sport: ''There was a massive gap between fans and Terry Smith. I had the misfortune to find myself halfway and fully understand how the supporters feel - they deserve better.

''Anyone thinking football management is a doddle should have tried being in my shoes.

''It really is hell and frustration when you can't bring players in and have others who don't want to play for you because of what's gone on in the past.

''It's just like Pandora's Box - you don't know what's happening and what is about to happen. I am in a no-win situation.

Learning curve

''I've made mistakes and this is a tough learning curve. It's a test of character but other managers I chat to say I'm on a hiding to nothing with no cash to spend.

''Anyone who knows me will tell you they can put me in a corner and stack the odds against me but I'll fight to the finish.''

Hill is determined to stabilise the situation at the Deva Stadium and help new owner Vaughan turn the club around.

''Another main priority is to see that every footballer employed by this club who is totally committed to the club remains in a job,'' he says.

''If a club like Chester eventually goes bust it would be criminal bearing in mind what has been put in place such as a youth set-up and a reserve team.

''I know what I want but there is a genuine lack of cash and this is why we are going round in circles.

''Some players in the Conference League are earning more than £1,000 a week. My lads are on a tenth of that.

''I enjoy the wheeling and dealing in trying to bring new players in and I only want lads who are totally behind me.''

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