Chronicle Article 11 August 2000

"For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven". When Ecclesiastes wrote those words almost three thousand years ago, and even when the Byrds sang them back in the sixties, it is a fair bet that football and the fortunes of Chester City FC weren't on their minds. But the relevance is there. This isn't the time and this column isn't the place to harp back to May 6th and its aftermath, or to begin the new season by continuing the war of words with the Chairman. Besides, many supporters are tiring of it.

In general, fans are concerned simply with what happens on the pitch rather than the extra baggage of politics and dispute. It seems a long time since Chester City was totally free from off the field problems, although for a few exciting weeks last season everyone's attention was firmly focussed on the playing side. Sadly, the politics have rumbled on through the summer as people have left the club and supporters and the Chairman have crossed swords yet again. This is not why we support our club and we get no satisfaction from it. However, we are not alone in having difficulties; ask Hull or Palace or any of the many other fans groups forming supporters trusts in the hope of safeguarding the future of their clubs.

And so to the season and its purpose. If last season's Great Escape (failed) was hard, the sequel will be verging on Mission Impossible. Avoiding being bottom was one thing. Ensuring top spot in virtually unknown territory is something completely different. In his last spell in charge, Graham Barrow assembled a promotion side immediately after relegation. He will need unqualified support if he is to repeat the task. From the coaches, players and fans, and especially from the boardroom.

Since his appointment Graham has worked hard blending youth and experience to build a new team that has proved difficult to beat. Gone are seven who started against Peterboro (including Luke Beckett), along with Reid, Cross and Jones, to be replaced by seven new faces. Of the many Smith and Atkins signings, only Finney and Carden currently remain in contention. There are golden opportunities for the likes of Lancaster, Doughty, Moss, Wright and Shelton to fulfil their early promise and for Blackburn to make the step up. Matt Woods is a surprise choice as captain but as one of the longest serving players, surely he has also been recognised for his never say die attitude and his consistency in a settled position over the second half of last season.

Graham, assistant Paul Beesley, and the squad know what they have to do and the backing they need. In what we hope will be our only Conference Season we wish them freedom from injury and the luck that was in short supply last season. They can expect our full support. The ISA will endeavour to put effort into areas where there are deficiencies; to play a positive and active role for the benefit of supporters; and of course help to promote Chester City FC and football as a whole. Nothing has changed in these respects, and nothing will. We will continue to stand up and be accountable to the membership. We wish everyone a happy season. We need one.

Les Smith ISA committee

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