Chronicle Article 27 October 2000

The pace of events at the Deva last week must have surprised most supporters. The resignations of two directors and the chairman's statement that he "had been talking to people in Chester about the possibility of them coming onto the Board", was quickly followed by an announcement that the club was up for sale. In the absence of any interview with the chairman, it fell to Official Supporters Club chairman Barry Hipkiss to face the Granada TV cameras. In the daunting atmosphere of a live interview, he called for stability. He also saw the need for the club to be run by a board of directors with delegated responsibilities. His opinions should be respected and well received by City supporters. It should be remembered that the ISA was born out of frustration during Mark Guterman's ownership.

Instability has been the name of the game for the Blues for many years. Last season, it was on the pitch where managers, coaches and players changed with alarming frequency, although there was some stability in the boardroom. Conversely, this season there has been stability on the playing side against a background of multiple resignations on the administrative side including the safety officer, commercial manager and every director. Long-term stability is essential on and off the pitch if our club is to go forward and regain its cherished Nationwide League status.

The involvement of local people in the ownership and control of the club is desirable to all supporters groups, although whether this can become a reality depends on many factors. These include the interests of "out-of-town" businessmen, the chairman's original intention to leave the club in the hands of Chester people, and not least the selling price and the financial state of the club. The visit of the FA Compliance Unit also remains something of a mystery.

There may be a need for seriously interested parties, including the recently announced Supporters Trust, to negotiate and agree a formula which provides the optimum solution for the club and its supporters. The bottom line for most fans is the enjoyment of seeing eleven men in blue and white stripes winning football matches. That is why we support Chester City. When we return to this situation, certain in the knowledge that the club is in safe hands, we will all be happy.

On a lighter note, tickets for the Sportspersons Evening featuring John H Stracey, David Johnson, Frankie Allen and Bobby Brown (Nov 10th), and for the Christmas Do featuring Billy May (Dec 15th), are available from George Rogers (01244 536466), Mike Aplas (01244 312401) and Mickey Clifford (01244 347782). Tickets for the Children's Christmas Party (Dec 3rd) are now also available. All events are at the Royal Mail Club.

The next ISA members meeting is on Monday 30th Oct, also at the Royal Mail Club, with guest speaker Stuart Rimmer (and possibly an ex-striking partner). A limited number of autographed "know your history, no. 3" t-shirts will be on sale, signed by the man himself.

Chester City Ladies play Scunthorpe in the First Round of the Womens FA Cup on Sunday at the Deva Stadium, kick off 2pm. But before that, the Blues have an interesting little encounter at Easington Colliery. Warm clothing is recommended by the men from TEAMtalk.com who are covering the game, and hopefully us in the next round.

Les Smith ISA Press Officer

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 | 20