Deva Wasn't Built In A Day

The majority of players in the Nationwide Division 3 comprise what might be termed journeymen professionals, youngsters hoping to carve out a career and a few who have experienced life a Division or two higher. Unlike the so called stars of the Premier League, they are not highly paid, simply because the economics at this level cannot justify it. For £20,000pw read £200pw. However, at all levels, when players put in maximum effort, game after game, giving their all for the good of the team, with the right balance and coaching, who knows what can be achieved?

If you had read or heard Graham Taylor interviews over the past week you would be aware that even after two promotions, he has still to rely on just these types of players in the Premier League in order to ensure that Watford FC retains financial stability. He has to live within his means using the same squad, despite having a multi-millionaire chairman in Elton John. Perhaps Jack Walker and David Whelan have different philosophies, but who had the greater success last season? And Mark Goldberg did things he would never have done in his business career to take Palace to the brink. I hope that we will now start to live within our means to ensure long-term viability. It can be done and there are a few obvious examples. It is worth considering how long you would be in a job if your company continually lost money?

Terry Smith has been at the Deva since July 20th. and despite the well documented effort of all concerned to see us through last season, it is simply because of his 11.9th hour purchase of the Club that we continue to have a Nationwide team to support. Two senior players had already left before the take over and we have lost others since for various reasons. This means that the younger lads now have a great opportunity to experience first team football and stake a claim for a regular place. There is certainly talent there. New players have also being signed with further trialists arriving so the squad is being strengthened. It all takes time and effort, but it needs to be done on a sound financial basis to protect the long term future of Chester City.

Sadly, criticism came quickly from some fans and certain sections of the media, and the chorus of boos with just 45 minutes of the season gone was more over the top than a Chris Waddle penalty. But remember the league start we had in our last promotion season. Played 6 lost 4. And note the difference an early goal can make. Could there be a connection between the crowd support and the team's performance against Port Vale? At this early stage of the new regime, be patient, and please don't take it out on the players. They need encouraging, not booing.

Off the field, there is always work to be done and the ISA Committee welcomes all the help it can get. There are now vacancies to be filled due to 3 members taking up Director roles as a result of the Trust Fund and Share Application monies. We are now in a unique situation on which we can surely build. If any member wishes to stand for election please contact us asap. At the time of going to press we intend the next members meeting to take place on Monday 23rd August at the Royal Mail Club. Please watch local press for further details.

Les Smith ISA secretary

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