Author: Mike Day

Elections to CFU Board 2020

Posted by Mike Day on

City Fans United members who believe they can contribute to the future success of Chester FC are being encouraged to put themselves forward as candidates for the board.

City Fans United is the supporters’ group which owns Chester FC and any member can stand for election provided they are aged 18 or over and have been a fully paid up member since 8th July 2020.

Directors normally serve for a period of three years before standing down or being re-elected, and if elected you will have the opportunity to play a key role in the ongoing development of Chester FC and City Fans United.

This year’s AGM is being held on Thursday 22nd October 2020 and there are seven vacancies on the board to return it to its normal number of 10 due to resignations since last year and expiry of tenure.

The deadline for nominations has been extended to Monday 14th September 2020. The board agreed to the extension after learning some communications to members were undelivered so as to ensure everyone who is eligible is given adequate time to consider and submit an application if they are interested.

Andrew Morris, Chairman of City Fans United and Chester FC, said: “Serving on the board of our football club is a real privilege and a hugely rewarding experience.

“It does require a significant amount of time and energy so it is vital prospective candidates understand the role and responsibilities of a director, however we would encourage any member who feels they have the ideas, enthusiasm and drive to help our club succeed to put themselves forward.

“Our club is having to navigate through unparalleled challenges but there is a great deal to be positive about and many reasons to be optimistic about the future, and it is critical we have a skilled, diverse and committed board to take us forward.”

More information about the role of a director can be found here (https://cityfansunited.com/docs/Duties-of-a-Director-2020.pdf) and any members who would like to speak with a current board member to understand more about the role can email chris.robson@chesterfc.com to arrange this.

If you wish to put yourself forward for election, you will need to complete the nomination form found here (https://cityfansunited.com/docs/Nomination-form-2020.pdf) and obtain two nominations from other members of City Fans United. These can take the form of a signature on your application form or can be provided separately by email if you are unable to obtain a signature.

You have the opportunity to write a manifesto of not less than 400 words and up to a maximum of 800 words, setting out the skills and expertise you can bring to the board. This can be submitted using the template found here (https://cityfansunited.com/docs/Manifesto-template-2020.pdf) and you should also include a passport size photograph of yourself.

Please note there will be no campaigning other than circulation of the manifestos: this includes self-promotion of any form including use of social media. Full details of the election policy are included on the CFU website and you must abide by the rules for the conduct of elections set out in the policy. In the event there are more applications than places available, an election will be held and members will use this information to elect candidates of their choice to the board.If elected you will be required to complete a criminal record check and the FA Owners’ & Directors Test’; the requirements relating to this may be viewed at www.thefa.com. This test is broadly similar to our requirements of board members:

  • You must not be a disqualified director
  • You must not be subject to a bankruptcy order or have an Individual Voluntary Arrangement in place with creditors.
  • You must not have any unspent criminal convictions.

Nominations with your manifesto should be returned to City Fans United secretary Christine Robson at Deva Stadium, Bumpers Lane, Chester CH1 4LT and marked ‘Private and in Confidence’ or emailed to  chris.robson@chesterfc.com, to arrive no later than 4pm on Monday 14th September 2020.

CFU Board Statement

Posted by Mike Day on

The Board of City Fans United can confirm we received notification from Stuart Murphy, on behalf of Exacta Plc, on Sunday 10th May advising his intention to end his association with the Club forthwith.

Therefore the Board wishes to advise members we consider Stuart’s approach to takeover the ownership of Chester FC to be withdrawn.

We can confirm that to date we have not received settlement of the outstanding financial commitments for the 2019/20 season, however we remain in discussion with Stuart regarding this matter.

Chester FC would like to place on record its appreciation to Stuart for his financial support and donations received since his association with the Club commenced in 2018 and we wish him well for the future.

The Board will provide further updates to members over the coming days and weeks, and is committed to fully engaging with the membership in developing a revised strategy to ensure we can overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, continue to function sustainably and remain competitive when football returns as a 100% supporter-owned football club.

CFU Board Summary – February 2020

Posted by Mike Day on

Summary of CFU Board meeting held on 17th February 2020 in the Blues Bar

Minutes of Meeting held on 20th January 2020 were signed as a correct record. Nick Philipson and Paul McDermott were voted on the Board for a year as Non-Executive Directors.

Finance – Chris Robertson circulated to the Board a comprehensive financial update for 2019 which covered. The Club needs to be able to improve on its overall budget for the financial year, and budget holders were asked again to look at ways to save the Club money, otherwise there would be a deficit yet again.

Operations – Andy Morris had circulated a paper to the Board regarding operational matters and mentioned that all players were looking good for the match against Kings Lynn. It was also mentioned that a supporter had donated £100 towards the fund for GW’s mask. The cost of this was in the range of £800 which had been achieved. .

Safety – Steve Povey had been invited to the Board meeting to discuss potential issues regarding safety after he and MJ had been to a SAG meeting the previous week. SP had put to the Board several proposals which were all agreed on, with the exception of the west stand camera, which would be deferred to a later date,

Commercial – Paul Bodman had circulated a paper regarding updates to the Club. Had sorted quotes out for the “End of Season” party and was finalising details of which venue to go with, which would most probably be Crowne Plaza.

Fundraising – David Williams had send in a report to the Board and everything was still ongoing.

FEWG – Jeff Banks had sent a report to all Board members.

Youth Academy – MD brought to the attention of the Board an email that IS had sent regarding the remuneration package for Calum to cover his role at the Club. MD also mentioned who was on the Youth Academy Support Committee – (MD, MN, IS, BB, AD, GD and JG). MD also circulated a paper regarding the finances of the Academy and an email from IS regarding his sponsorship for the Club.

AOB – A date had been set for the next CFU Formal Meeting which would be Thursday 9th April 2020 at 7.30pm (bar open at 7pm). Meeting in Blues Bar

The next CFU AGM would be Thursday 22nd October 2020 at 7.30pm (bar open at 7pm). Meeting in Blues Bar

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