A CHART-TOPPING popstar has set himself an ambitious goal - to turn an amateur Widnes football team into semi-professionals.

Daz Sampson had 14 top 20 hit singles around the world and represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006.

Perhaps best known for Kung Fu Fighting which sold more than one million copies, he was also a music producer and broadcaster.

As a teenager, he was selected to play professional football for Stockport County but his dream was shattered after a motorbike accident.

The 43-year-old went on to become a professional soccer manager and scout and has now teamed up with Halebank FC which plays in the Cheshire League.

“I’ve come full circle,” said Daz. “This is my World Cup. I love a challenge and I’m going to try and build a semi professional team in Widnes.

“Not many people know I was a professional footballer before I became a musician.”

Daz has managed semi professional teams in Poland, the Pacific Island of Guam and Tampa in Florida.

After working with international footballers he now wants to nurture home grown talent.

“I want to give amateurs a chance of playing professional football,” said Daz, who lives in Sutton Manor.

“No other team in that league has my expertise, contacts or what I have achieved. I set standards where other teams will follow.”

Daz, who has a degree in sports psychology, plans to use his experience from running his own fitness business for 10 years to motivate players.

“I am very big on fitness, weight loss, healthy living and wellbeing,” he said.

“I know these players are all at work or college but we won’t win the league unless we are the fittest.

“Football is not played with your feet, it is played with your head. Your body is a vehicle for your brain.”

Daz also hopes to help the club expand and set up new teams for juniors, ladies and girls.

Any players interested can call Halebank FC on 07708 151111.