OBITUARY | Junior Agogo

    Junior Agogo – 1979-2019

    Although Junior Agogo only played 10 Football League games for Chester, the big Ghanaian left a lasting impression at the Deva Stadium – not least for scoring arguably one of the best individual goals seen at the ground against Cheltenham in October 1999. Picking up the ball on the halfway line he powered his way through the Robins’ defence on a mazy run, beating four defenders before a clinical finish into the bottom right hand corner. It was a stunning goal, which those present will never forget, and Agogo proved to be a shining light in what was a miserable season.

    Born in Accra in Ghana, Agogo joined Chester on a two month loan deal from Sheffield Wednesday at the start of September 1999. Along with Michael Blackwood, he was American owner Terry Smith’s first signing after replacing Kevin Ratcliffe as manager. Agogo’s arrival sparked City’s best run under Smith and had he been able to remain at the club there may have been a different ending to a season that saw the Blues lose their place in the Football League.

    In his 10 appearances he amassed a total of six goals including a 94th minute winner at the Withdean Stadium which give Chester a first ever win at Brighton and his goals were enough to make him 2nd highest scorer in 1999/2000 behind Luke Beckett.

    After leaving Sheffield Wednesday Agogo spent two years in America including a successful spell with Colorado Rapids where he scored 11 goals in 32 games. On returning to England he played for a number of clubs including Barnet, Bristol Rovers and Nottingham Forest. In 2004/05 he was leading scorer for Bristol Rovers with one of his strikes coming in a 2-2 draw at the Deva Stadium.

    In 2008 Agogo was again his travels playing for Zamalek in Egypt and Limassol in Cyprus before ending his career in the Scottish Premier League with Hibernian in 2012. His impressive goalscoring record also led to international appearances for his native Ghana for whom he scored 12 goals in 27 games between 2006 and 2009.

    In 2015 he suffered a serious stroke which badly affected his speech and general health and died in hospital in London at the age of 40.

    The club send out their condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

    CHESTER FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD

    Football League – 10 appearances 6 goals

    First Chester game –   v Hull City (A) September 3rd 1999

    Last Chester game –   v Shrewsbury Town (A) November 2nd 1999

    Obituary by Chas Sumner