Chronicle Article 11 February 2000

The turbulent weather of Monday and Tuesday was comparable to the winds of change that have blown in at the Deva courtesy of Ian Atkins. Several players were this week declared surplus to requirements. Anyone in any employment who has been told they are no longer wanted knows this must be difficult for all the players involved. We wish them well. Just how quickly the changes have come about can be gauged by the fact that only three players who started the New Year fixture at Carlisle lined up for the kick off at Rochdale. With most of the pre-Atkins signings having left already or looking for other clubs, it is now almost like supporting a different team. The shirt remains the same and for that reason we will give them maximum support to escape from the doldrums aka twenty-fourth position in division three. (Doldrums; 1.depressed or bored state of mind; 2.state of inactivity or stagnation; 3.belt of light winds or calms along the equator).

Despite (or because of) our league position, around seven hundred fans made the trip to Rochdale. Had the game lasted eighty-eight minutes we would have escaped with a creditable draw and closed the gap to two points. The first rendition of the Great Escape stuck in our throats as the second goal went in. Perhaps we should save it until we have a three goal cushion or after the final whistle in future?

On the way home it was good to hear Chester fans phoning in to Radio Merseyside full of optimism. One caller even rang in to congratulate them as all the Liverpool fans seemed to be moaning despite their win and exalted league position. Ah! The haves and the have nots in this game of ours.

There was an opportunity to display "The Great Escape 2000" banner and last year's (sadly once again appropriate) "We Will Survive" banner at Spotland, thanks to handily placed fences and crush barriers. It is clear that thought will need to be given to siting the banners in prime positions for future home games. However, they should get media coverage before the Hull game as they will be carried down Bumpers Lane in the mini-march of solidarity.

It has been questioned whether a march to the Deva serves any useful purpose. It attracts positive media attention to the Club and its fans, and enables us to do something different to contribute to the fight for survival. There are few options open to us in which we can be of help, so if walking to the ground together for a few hundred yards generates enthusiasm that can be turned into support for the players, so much the better. It coincides with the Club's initiative to distribute free West Stand tickets for under sixteens. This gives them a chance to join us and sample a novel atmosphere in what might be their first visit to a match.

These youngsters are the fans of the future, so try to encourage them. We also need the Football in the Community and Centre of Excellence schemes to thrive in order to provide us with players of the future. The ISA endeavours to support all levels of football including Chester City ladies.

Les Smith ISA chairman

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