As 2010 draws to a close, it’s time to pay tribute to the City Fans United membership and the battle to keep football alive in Chester in the past 12 months, which we can all say with a great deal of pride, we achieved.

 

The rollercoaster that everyone has always associated with Chester continued, as the battle to save Chester City was eventually lost thanks to an unpaid tax bill, but thanks to the hard work already undertaken by City Fans United members, we were ready to hit the ground running and on March 10th the liquidation of CCFC meant the start of a new life, and Chester FC was re-born.

 

Difficult challenges were faced to get the club on its feet in what was the shortest amount of time possible, what wasn’t expected was the battle against the Danish group bidding for the Deva Stadium, and thankfully the Council saw CFU’s vision for the future, and granted a five year lease which would enable the club to get to its feet in time for the new season.

 

In 2010, we saw the membership of CFU rise from 500 to around 2700, an amazing figure, and proof that the fans really shared the vision of a community based club that would do well on and off the pitch.

 

Every CFU member has helped out in their own way, from their annual membership fee to getting involved with the club, donating many hours voluntarily to help get the Stadium ready for action throughout the summer, from assisting on a daily basis at the club to cleaning toilets, from spreading the word about CFU to helping organise events to help raise money throughout the year.

 

One of the great successes in 2010 was the Junior Blues, and the membership of the Under 16s arm of City Fans United is closing in on 400, thanks to the efforts of the Junior Blues committee who have worked extremely hard to come up with some great initiatives such as the trips to FC United’s Youth Day, and the National Football Museum. In addition the Junior Blues Open Day in the summer was a huge success, and the kids have celebrated their Christmas with parties at the club and Ten Pin.

 

Chester manager Neil Young stated how impressed he was with the sheer number of children wearing Chester shirts in and around the ground, and we are sure that this will continue as the Blues restart their promotion push in the second half of the season.

 

2011 will see many more initiatives for both City Fans United & the CFU Junior Blues, and we look forward to bringing those to you, but tonight as the clock approaches midnight, just take five minutes out to reflect on what has been a truly unforgettable year, with some sad and then great memories, and whilst doing so raise a glass to yourself, as you have all done YOUR club proud!

 

Thanks to everyone for their efforts, have a safe and happy New Year!