Chronicle Article 25 February 2000

Chester City fans have suffered in recent years as the club has lurched from one crisis to another. Last year it was important just to get to the end of the season, and the ISA played a crucial role in the club's survival. This season league status is just as tenuous and help from supporters is still important, although less direct. But is it really worth the all effort?

The Great Escape 2000 seemed a good idea to help generate a positive attitude. But what else has it achieved? A few headlines, several column inches, a banner or two, a march down Bumpers Lane. Has it influenced support? Have closet Chester City fans yet visited the Deva? Do they realise that there may be just seven home games left in which to see the Blues in Nationwide League action? Does Chester really care?

Whether it does or not, the dedicated fans care greatly, and the club owners should be doing everything in their power to ensure that Div.3 status is preserved. Not just for the fans of today, but for the youngsters of the city reached by the expanding Football in the Community programme. In July promotion was targeted as the first step to Div.1 in three years. In contrast, Ian Atkins has created an almost new team in recent weeks to fight against relegation. Survival is vital.

A longer-term strategy for success must include youth development, commercial development and good football management. Crewe and Tranmere are local examples of clubs with traditionally small gates who have maintained Div.1 status. The Worthington Cup final has also brought about 20,000 Tranmere fans out of the woodwork, keen to bask in the glory. Where were they early season when the team was bottom of the league? Success on the pitch is vital.

We live in an affluent tourist city of around 120,000 population, with major businesses and massive potential. Yet we have a football team that is ninety-second in the league and, not surprisingly, attracts the lowest gates. For a week or two, attendances might be increased by massive ISA effort. It happened twice last season. Against Swansea, because the Club could have otherwise folded in the courts, and against Brighton, when Seagulls fans and others from fifty different clubs sympathised with our plight at the United Colours of Football. It isn't sympathy time now.

How do you increase gates? The quick fix is easy. Burnley signed Ian Wright and sold 10,000 extra tickets, which even at his inflated salary covers his wages several times over. We simply find a player in dispute with his manager, say David Beckham, and sign him on loan. This could encourage a capacity crowd, and if United pay half his wages we're also in profit. (He needn't actually play). So don't think the ISA are short of ideas.

Media interest has not been lacking. The latest TV crew arrived this week to make a programme for BBC Knowledge about the business side of football. They have asked for our input and will also be around on Saturday capturing the sights and sounds of matchday.

Monday's ISA members meeting at the Royal Mail Club features a well-known media man, BBC sports correspondent and Chester City supporter Charles Lambert.

Don't miss it...........

Les Smith ISA chairman

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