HEARTBROKEN Chester fans who have been forced to sit back and watch as their beloved club lurches from one crisis to another have been assured - there is still hope.
That was the overwhelming message at a crisis meeting of the newly formed supporters association, City Fans United (CFU), which is now going full steam ahead with plans to create a Phoenix club if the current Chester City FC ceases to exist.
A packed audience were told that despite it being a desperate time for their club, there were also reasons to be optimistic. Organisers of the meeting now wholeheartedly believe a new club rising from the ashes of the old and controlled entirely by the fans is the only viable option left.
Supporters also heard from the leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, which controls the Deva Stadium, that the authority would sit down and listen seriously to proposals laid down by CFU. Mike Jones urged the panel to come up with a business plan for the new club, which could include generating money from the club’s car park during non match periods.
Those who attended the meeting, many decked out proudly in Chester hats and coats, were also told that a football club should be at the heart of the community and now it is down to the community to stand up and fight and campaign to ensure football exists and thrives in Chester.
David Evans, commercial officer for CFU, said it was now time to show the critics that Chester is a footballing city and for the people of Chester to come together and help create and run their own club.
He also painted a grim picture of the club’s current position and highlighted the club’s turbulent times over the last few years, but stressed that can all change if the fans work together.
“Our membership has grown rapidly and now stands at more than 700 which is very encouraging,” Mr Evans told the crowd.
“But we now need to double that and raise money. We need to raise as much capital as possible to give our bid to create a Phoenix club as much credibility as possible and to be taken seriously by the authorities.”
Jeff Banks of the CFU, also read out passionate emails from former city greats and said the historic setting for the meeting, The Guildhall, was the perfect venue for an historic and important meeting.
Chester MP Christine Russell also spoke passionately about Chester City and stressed just how important a football club is to the fabric of the city.
“It is often overlooked just how much money a football club brings into a town or city. They generate a huge amount of money to the local economy. Chester is a tourist city with a third of its population relying on visitors to Chester to make a living. It is vital that we maintain a football presence in Chester to help attract visitors.”
Representatives of AFC Telford spoke of how they went about saving their club from possible extinction and gave Chester supports hope and messages of encourage that they can achieve their dreams to run their own football club.
Plan to keep a club in Chester
BLUES fans have today unveiled their vision to breathe new life into Chester City Football Club.
Key members of the City Fans United (CFU) group have masterminded a recovery plan for the ailing blues and have today joined forces with the Leader to rally fans to support their vision for the future.
CFU are already close to completing a ‘watertight’ business plan for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) in which they urge the authority, owners of the Deva Stadium, to consider renting the ground to a newly formed united club.
Fans are also doing everything in their power to raise vital sponsorship which could see the new united club ready for action in time for the new season ahead.
The Standard can also reveal how a number of die hard city fans and businessmen are considering investing in the club and letters appealing for sponsorship are being distributed to businesses across the city.
CFU spokesman Jeff Banks said the most important element in the rescue plan was the need to raise the profile of the club, raise awareness and boost fans’ morale in order to encourage supporters back through the turnstiles.
CFU members will now be working around the clock to boost support and say fans can also help secure their club’s future through various investment schemes which would in turn allow them to acquire a stake in the ownership and running of the new club.
Mr Banks said CFU are looking to offer a loan note scheme with a minimum investment of £100, which would allow the member to have a hand in the future operations at the club. Fans can also help boost sponsorship by becoming a member of CFU, with annual membership costing £5.
So far the group has 700 members but the numbers are fast growing. He added: “We are calling on fans and local businesses to show their support and rally behind the club. We want the community of Chester to take this football club in to their hearts.”
Meanwhile the CFU have revealed how they are in constant talks with members of AFC Telford who have experienced a similar plight as the Blues. Mr Banks added that the club were offering expert guidance to CFU officials on the best way forward.
To find out more visit www.cityfansunited.com