Chronicle Article 25 August 2000

After all the waiting, the Conference season has finally begun. Saturday saw an estimated 900 supporters make the trip to Rushden, or more accurately Irthlingborough. The opening game coinciding with the visit to the Diamonds' sparkling stadium was always going to be of novelty value. It also enabled City fans from the Midlands and the South to meet up with their Northern counterparts in approximately the middle of the country. The atmosphere produced by the Blues fans outshone anything the restrained home crowd could produce. Perhaps it is due to their relatively short history. Perhaps they have had it too good, except for the disappointment of missing out on promotion for two consecutive years.

But they have got a superb stadium with facilities to match and, moreover, the support of the business community. A glance at the programme indicated the level of external sponsorship obtained, in addition to that of Doc Martens. Free parking, and inclusive programme and membership for season ticket holders are some benefits passed on to the fans.

The stadium and the associated sports complex, including pitch number 2, are a triumph of forward and detailed planning (and money). With neat grass verges, tarmaced surfaces and even parasols outside, our breeze block and dust bowl construction – the first new stadium following the Taylor Report – pales in comparison. Nonetheless, fine stadium does not make a fine team and Graham Barrow's men were far from disgraced by an expensively assembled squad. As he said later, he saw nothing to fear.

Normal service at the Deva was resumed to some degree on Tuesday. Despite the retention of Football League prices, the attendance was only marginally below last season's average of 2,642. (A healthy cash injection to kick off the season.) With Neil Turner reporting for Radio Merseyside, a Chairman in the stand, Graham and Joe in the dug out, and a team intent on playing attractive football, it was almost like old times. A welcome free entrance scheme was successful in attracting over 300 accompanied youngsters.

The vast majority of fans voted with their feet (and their pockets) to pay the entrance prices, although a small minority chose to stay away on principle. It is the ISA policy simply to point out the facts, hence the leaflets and well-received prices petition. To reiterate: last season, supporters were told consistently that the Club was in its best financial position for many years due to the Chairman's stringent control. More recently he has said that the club faces administration if fans do not pay last season's prices. We do not believe the onus should be put on the supporters to rectify the apparent reverse in the financial situation.

For those who attended, it was a dream start to the home season and a dream full debut for Mark Beesley. In line with his plans, Graham Barrow has now bolstered the squad with players of Conference experience in Gaunt and Ruffer, which can only be beneficial as the season progresses. On Saturday the following from Dover will be considerably lower than Donny's 500 plus fans, but a loyal Chester following is assured.

The next ISA members meeting will be on Tuesday 29th August at the Royal Mail Club. Kick off 7.30pm.

Les Smith ISA committee

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