Latest news from Deva Stadium

Former player and manager Ian Rush has told of his sorrow at the winding-up of the football club last week. He told the Wales on Sunday newspaper: “I feel very sorry for the way things have gone because Chester is a club with great tradition and we would all love to see them back in the league once more.”

And Wrexham fan and former Wales international Robbie Savage was also saddened to hear of the demise of rivals Chester but hoped a phoenix club could be formed, he said:

“Even as a Wrexham lad, I’m gutted to see Chester City going out of business. I’ve been to a few Chester v Wrexham derbies and they’re always a big buzz. It’s a rivalry based on pure hatred. There were 8,000 there last time and I know the Wrexham fans will be as sad as anyone to see those big days disappear as their arch-enemies drop out of the Conference. Good luck to the people who are trying to revive the club from scratch.”

10 March 2010
CLUB WOUND UP

Rumours of a last-ditch tax payment proved unfounded as Chester City Football Club (2004 Ltd) were this morning wound-up in the High Court in London. The club had no representation in court for the brief one minute hearing. Former Chester manager Jim Harvey was represented by a barrister in court who supported the petition. An official receiver will now be appointed to recover what he can for the creditors from the club’s remaining assets.

A statement from the Football Association said: “The FA notes today’s decision of the High Court in relation to Chester City. The winding-up of any club is a loss to the game and in particular to the supporters of that club. In order to maintain a senior football club in the city of Chester, The FA will welcome applications if the club wishes to reform. Any such applications will be considered by The FA’s Leagues Committee.”

The hard work of starting a community based Phoenix Club through the CFU, and hopefully with the support of the local council and business, now continues.

• Guardian report with supporter quotes

COURT APPEARANCE FOR CITY
Once again the football club will make an appearance in Court 76 of the High Courts of Justice in London this morning as the HMRC look to wind-up the company for non payment of tax. The amount in question is £26,125. The case was first heard on 27 January when the club stated they were considering a CVA and an adjournment of 42 days was given. With the club thrown out of the Football Conference and no income since, the winding-up of the club seems inevitable.

9 March 2010
YOUTH TEAM RESULTS EXPUNGED
The Youth Team have had all their matches and results from this season’s Football League Youth Alliance North West Conference expunged following their resignation from the league. The team were last in action last week when they beat Accrington Stanley 3-2.

• Youth fixtures | Table

8 March 2010
BLUES FAIL TO APPEAL AGAINST DECISION
Chester have failed to appeal against the process of their expulsion from the Football Conference after last Friday’s deadline for an appeal came and went. The club had indicated they would be contesting the decision but Conference Chairman Brian Lee told the Non-League Paper “They kept changing their minds.” Details of City’s matches for this season are now expunged from the records and the league table adjusted.

Conference statement
“The Football Conference announce Chester City (2004) FC, having not lodged any appeal in respect of their removal from the competition, have had their playing record expunged with immediate effect.”

“A new calculated table is being circulated via the Press Association this afternoon as the official record to be used by all the media and member clubs from this date.”

“Due to the fact that all goals involved in those matches played to date are also expunged, it means that those players having scored goals in matches against Chester City in the Blue Square Premier also see them expunged from the record books.”

“This is to maintain fairness and consistency in relation to the player winning the ‘Golden Boot’ award at the end of the season in the Blue Square Premier. Goals scored in FA Cup or FA Trophy ties are not so affected and will remain in those competitions.”

• New Conference table

COURT DATE LOOMS
Chester City FC (2004 Ltd) are back in the High Court on Wednesday as they face a winding up order from HMRC. The amount of money owed is £26,125. Adding to the Vaughan Family woes is the news that the Council may seek to evict the club from Deva Stadium over late payments of rent.

3 March 2010
PLAYERS LOOKING TO MOVE ON

Two players have been linked with moves to other clubs following City’s expulsion from the Football Conference last week. Youngster James Owen, who left the club several weeks ago, looks set to join former Blues Gregg Blundell and Nick Chadwick at Barrow. Another player who came through the youth ranks, Shaun Kelly (pictured), looks set to have trials with Port Vale.

Since this report Kelly has joined Burton Albion until the end of the season.

Picture © Evening Leader

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