Chronicle Article 28 January 2000

In case anyone was under the mistaken impression that Chester fans are confined to the local environs, many of the ISA membership are exiled, stretching as far as Australia from where a membership renewal was received this week. By way of a change, this week's thoughts also spring from afar; from an official Exile.

Sixteen years ago four members of the newly formed Chester City Supporters Club Southern Branch met at Northampton bus station. After lunch and a game of Northamptonshire cheese skittles (a traditional game confined to within a twenty-mile radius of Northampton), they made their way to the County Ground to witness their beloved City lose to the Cobblers after taking an early lead. Those were dark days for Chester – well on course to finishing bottom of the old Fourth Division. There were some consolations. One of only a handful of League victories that season was against our neighbours the Welsh club, from down the road. Secondly there was no trap door to fall through into non-League football.

Last weekend City fans once more made their way to Northampton. The Southern Branch, now known as The Exiles (the membership now extends to Scotland) met again. Once more the rattle of skittles was heard. The County Ground has now been superseded by the Sixfields Stadium but again we saw City let an early lead slip.

I don’t mind admitting that I am biased. The sense of belonging to the City of Chester – as represented by the men in blue and white stripes – is almost spiritual. As far as Chester City Exiles are concerned, absence and distance make the heart grow fonder. Opportunities to watch City play away are memorable and enjoyable whatever the result. How envious we are of you who have the home of our club on your doorstep. Make sure you do your utmost to support them over the next nine home matches to help preserve League status for the City. The Exiles will do their part when not able to be present physically, subjecting ourselves to the agony of teletext or ceefax.

The ISA are helping to kick-start the fight with the Great Escape 2000. While it is still mathematically possible to stay up we need to give the team maximum support, with hopefully more than 2000 home fans every game. We intend to do all we can to back the team over the next crucial nine home games. It is the Club's role to put out the team. It is our job to support that team. On Saturday, we will be giving out as many balloons and trumpets we can lay our hands on to kick off the campaign. If anyone wants to help over the next few weeks, please let us know. It will be appreciated.

The AGM is on Monday 31st Jan 7.30 at the Royal Mail Club and we will listen to any ideas you might have for the remainder of the season. Brian Croft (Football in the Community) will be a guest speaker although Ian Atkins cannot as yet guarantee his availability due to the understandable demands on his time.

Next week an ISA team are playing Rochdale fans prior to the win at Spotland. If you fancy making an appearance, please contact George (coach) Rogers on 01244 536466.

Colin Mansley ISA member

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