Chronicle Article 24 December 1999

The repercussions following the last Independent Supporters Association members meeting are probably now well known. Naturally we are very disappointed by the Board’s withdrawal of the shares offers to the ISA (Trust Fund), and to individual supporters (loanstock applicants). It is worth repeating that Terry Smith’s role of team manager was the only point at issue on the night and that his efforts in both saving the Football Club and eliminating the debts were much appreciated. However, in the light of certain allegations made on behalf of the Board of Directors of Chester City FC in the media and the Club programme, the ISA Committee are prepared to issue a full and frank statement in due course in order to preserve their integrity and reputation.

The current ISA committee has attempted to operate according to the ISA constitution and represent its members in a responsible, democratic and organised manner. We have adhered to this policy at all times, especially over the role of the Chairman as team manager, and also in our efforts to secure shares to the value of £100,000 in Chester City Football Club for over 550 individual supporters. This shares offer has been withdrawn by the Board as a result of our alleged “failure to honour promises and commitments”. We have extensive documented evidence to the contrary. The Directors of ISA Ltd will automatically refund all money invested as soon as possible. It is an enormous and regrettable task, but we would request patience over the holiday period.

It is worth noting that £40,000 (Trust Fund) has been lodged with our solicitors since July and permanently available to the Football Club in exchange for share certificates through a legally binding agreement. These certificates have not been received despite numerous requests to the Directors.

We thank our members for the patience they have already shown and their support. We will continue to work as an independent voice for supporters according to our constitution, in a manner as befits the responsibility given us.

It was also suggested in the Club programme for Saturday’s ISA sponsored match, that efforts would be made to re-launch the Official Supporters Club. It can only be healthy for the future of the Chester City to have two complementary supporters’ organisations.

We were pleased that the ISA sponsorship coincided with our second home league win of the season, and most fans could not failed to have seen the potential of the long awaited Angus Eve. In contrast, this week’s reports that Dave Fogg had handed in his notice comes as a blow, given his service at the Club, especially in his lead role at the Centre of Excellence.

Problems exist elsewhere of course. Carlisle are staging an SOS 2000 campaign for our fixture (3rd Jan) as a demonstration against Michael Knighton, and have asked us (and other fans) to turn up in numbers to show solidarity. They intend to maximise their crowd as a means of protest. At this level, we all need to stick together as fans, even if we do want to stuff each other on the pitch.

All in all, it has been a turbulent year for everyone associated with Chester City. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all Blues supporters a very happy Christmas and to get right behind the players over the crucial holiday fixtures.

Les Smith ISA chairman

Other Articles
October		8 | 15 | 22 | 29
November		5 | 12 | 19 | 26
December		3 | 10 | 17 | 24 | 31
January		7 | 14 | 21 | 28
February		4 | 11 | 18 | 25
March		3 | 10 | 17 | 24 | 31
April		7 | 14 | 21 | 28
May		5 | 12 |
August		11 | 18 | 25
September		1 | 8 | 15 | 22 | 29
October		6 | 13