Chronicle Article 14 April 2000

A gravimetrically endowed person of the female gender producing sounds of musical intonation will not mark the end of this traumatic season. A long blast of a ref's whistle signalling the last kick of the last game is infinitely more significant. Ask Jimmy Glass and Carlisle. And so much can still happen over the twelve games affecting the three prime relegation candidates before that final day dawns.

Not surprisingly, the ISA will continue to be positive while the Great Escape is still possible. What message would despondency give to the players who put in so much effort last Saturday only to lose in added time to the one shot on target? We have clearly come a long way since Carlisle thrashed us at New Year, when Ian Atkins first saw the task that lay ahead. No one said it would be easy. We didn't expect it to be. Football isn't like that. The better team or the form team doesn't always win.

Expectation doesn't score goals either. If it did, we would have beaten Carlisle; given the media coverage, pre-match hype, and home attendance doubled. We quickly sold nearly one hundred blue and white flags which made for an unfamiliar spectacle at the Deva, briefly captured by Granada TV. Thanks to everyone who helped make it possible. We are getting more flags to meet the demand and additional Great Escape T-shirts for optimists from as far away as Canada.

The crowd tried hard on Saturday, but tension affects supporters, especially when there is so much riding on the result. It seemed noisy on the North terrace but there may be a case for the adage "you only sing when yer winnin'." An early goal raises the spirits and the noise. Cue Mansfield and Halifax.

The extra two thousand home fans were unlikely to be urging the lads on with the same vehemence of the regulars. It is understandably difficult to get emotionally involved when seeing many players for the first time. I'd hardly be supportive at the so-called Theatre of Dreams, unless we were playing of course. Nevertheless, the presence of any additional City fans at the Village Hall of Nightmares is more than welcome. They are crucial to our future. OK, maybe comparisons are unfair but our Club needs support from the people of Chester more than United needs support from Manchester (although their fans will pay for Roy Keane's burgeoning wages). We want everyone to sing/shout whether we are winning, drawing or losing over the five remaining games, starting at Orient (travel subsidised by the ISA).

The latest ISA newsletter was sent to all paid-up members this week, along with the end of season questionnaire and draw tickets for a first prize of £1000. Thanks to everyone who helped in the production and distribution of the material. If anyone has forgotten to renew their membership please contact us at PO Box 308, Chester CH1 5ZF or via the web site.

Next members' meeting; Tuesday 25th April at the Royal Mail Club; guest-speaker Stuart Hicks.

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