CHESTER CITY captain Tim Ryan today admitted he was gutted to hear of manager Jim Harvey’s departure.
The 35-year-old centre half and assistant manager reacted to Harvey’s decision to leave the Chester managerial post by mutual consent after being told he was not part of director of football, Morell Maison’s management team.
Ryan said: “I am gutted that Jim Harvey has left the club.
“Every one of the Chester players enjoyed working with the gaffer and we will all miss him.
“I don’t know about all the ins and outs of exactly what happened, but I do know that Morell Maison has come in with his new regime and his own staff.
“I’ve spoken to a few players since the gaffer contacted me and they are genuinely shocked about him deciding to go.
“He is such a decent bloke and I’m sure he could have done well at Chester in different circumstances.
“For the sake of the Chester fans and for everybody at the club I’m now hoping that Morell Maison can turn things round.”
Ryan confirmed that the Blues’ playing squad had yet to meet Morell Maison since he was appointed on Boxing Day.
And Ryan also revealed that Chester had still not paid players’ wages owing from November and December, and that the high-earners in the squad had been told to find new clubs.
He said: “The high-earners in the squad are all looking for new clubs. Ideally I would like to get somewhere I can get settled, but it all depends on what’s going on with Chester.
“We’re waiting around – they owe us the wages still so we’re patiently waiting to see what’s happening.
“It’s a nightmare situation. It’s a nice little club and that’s why I chose to come here in the summer. I was enjoying it; Jim Harvey has been brilliant with me.
“None of the players has even seen Morell Maison, we’ve not heard a word from him. We don’t know what’s going on. We’ve not got a clue."
Chester can expect a backlash from the Football Conference and the Football Association if the club fails to pay players wages.
Behind the scenes the PFA have been advising the Chester players, who have threatened to strike and boycott matches if the non-payment of their wages continues.
Chester’s next fixture, weather permitting, is scheduled to take place this Saturday at Crawley Town.
Meanwhile, former Chester City striker Daryl Clare has signed for Gateshead on a free transfer following a three-month loan spell at the International Stadium.
The Jersey-born forward, 31, scored eight goals in 10 games with the Tynesiders, prompting him to request a move from Mansfield Town to the part-time club.
“Daryl no longer wants to play for Mansfield Town,” Stags boss David Holdsworth said.
“I haven’t seen this coming. I tried everything to get him here."
Clare has twice finished top scorer in the Conference during his career, with Boston United and Chester City, and has more than 150 goals to his name during his 14-year career.
And former Chester on-loan midfielder Clark Keltie is considering a return to Darlington.
Newcastle-born Keltie, who has been out of favour since signing for Rochdale, has had two loan spells this season with Chester and Gateshead, and has been training with Steve Staunton’s Darlington squad in recent weeks.
Chester have rearranged their home match against Kidderminster Harriers for Wednesday, February 17, at the Deva Stadium (7.45pm kick-off).
The match was due to be played on New Year’s Day but was a victim of the icy weather.