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Notification to Members – Thursday 7th May, 2020

Posted by Jeff Banks on

Notification to City Fans United Members – Thursday 7th May 2020

 

The Board of City Fans United wishes to advise the members that it has received an approach from Stuart Murphy (Exacta Plc) to takeover the running and control of Chester Football Club.

This marks a sudden and radical change to the previously negotiated relationship between Stuart and the Club. If agreed, the approach would end supporter ownership.

 

As a democratic supporter-owned football club, any decision to change the ownership model can only be taken by the membership at an Extraordinary General Meeting attended by at least 50% of members and with at least 75% voting in favour. Before this can take place, the Board has a duty to assess such approaches and if there is a serious and credible offer, our members will decide the outcome as set out in our constitution.

 

As the custodians of Chester Football Club, acting on behalf of our CFU members and supporters, the Board has therefore asked Stuart to provide:

  • A detailed three-year business plan which can be shared with members.
  • Full settlement of outstanding financial commitments which remain outstanding for the 2019/20 season by Monday 11th May and an undertaking that future commitments for 2020/21 will be maintained as per agreements already in place.

 

This approach has been received during a time of unprecedented uncertainty for the game and the economy.

 

We believe the absolute priority for the Board and everyone involved in the Club should be to focus on ensuring that we can navigate through these immediate challenges together, alongside developing a longer-term sustainable strategy for the Club suited to the post-Covid-19 world.

 

We have asked Stuart to respect the wishes of the Board on this matter and work with us as we plan our forward strategy.

 

The Board understand how much owning your club means and how proud our members are as to what has been achieved over the past decade. As such we believe that due diligence and the highest levels of professionalism are essential in dealing with all aspects of this matter.

 

We can confirm to members that we have consulted and engaged with a range of Stakeholders including the Football Supporters’ Association and Chester FC Community Trust in our discussions as well as accessing legal advice.

 

The Board has again thanked Stuart for the support that he has given the Club but note that the timing of the takeover approach presents us with real challenges. Given the current lockdown restriction it is impossible to engage meaningfully with our membership in face-to-face discussion and deliberation about a potential change in ownership and the implications (positive and negative) that any change in the model would bring to the Club while social distancing measures remain in place.

 

The Board commits to update all members once the business plan and settlement of outstanding invoices has been received, and wishes to thank you for your continued support of the club during this difficult period.

 

On Behalf of the City Fans United Board of Directors

 

Board Update – 3rd May 2020

Posted by Jeff Banks on

 

Chester FC would like to update supporters and City Fans United members on the progress that has been made as the club aims to navigate through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

These are extreme and unprecedented times for us all and first and foremost the thoughts of everyone at the club are with those who have lost family and friends. We wish to place on record our appreciation for the incredible NHS staff and frontline key workers who are going above and beyond to help others.

 

The impact of the crisis on the club has been significant with the loss of five scheduled home fixtures and the cancellation of a number of fundraising events resulting in significant reductions in income.

 

The board of City Fans United has been in constant dialogue during this period and engaged with key stakeholders including the Community Trust, the council and MBNA as we attempt to steer the football club through these uncharted waters and ensure the health and wellbeing of our players, staff, supporters and local community.

 

We continue to work tirelessly to safeguard the football club and maintain its financial stability, both in the short term and long term, to enable us to emerge in the strongest possible position for when football resumes.

 

This is a rapidly developing situation and as a board we are committed to presenting supporters with accurate information and thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

Please find below an update on the steps we have taken already and the present situation:

 

What we have done

 

· While it is not possible to put an exact figure on the cost of the pandemic to the club, the cancellation of five home matches and several fundraising events mean a potential £100,000 worth of revenue has been lost. We have lost income from non-matchday related income such as Liverpool Women FC venue hire, as well as end of season pitch hire and our Awards Evening.

 

We have taken steps to collect a number of outstanding invoices and are grateful to those businesses and individuals who have made prompt payments. The club does have some debtors and will continue to pursue these.

 

· We have placed the majority of club staff on furlough leave and accessed the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The board decided to continue to pay all staff, including those furloughed, 100% of their salaries up until 2nd May. The first payment from HMRC was received this week and we wish to thank our players and non-playing staff for their understanding and cooperation. We have held discussions with staff with regards to what happens after the 2nd May and have also considered rotating furloughs for those staff that we still need to remain working.

At present the CJRS is due to run until 30th June. We are in continuing dialogue with HMRC regarding the scheme, however given the uncertainty around when football will resume there may well be more difficult conversations to take place as time goes on.

 

· The club has a number of ongoing running costs and annual outgoings to consider over the coming weeks and months including insurances, utilities and VAT. Where possible, we have taken steps to defer or postpone these payments, including the negotiation of payment holidays which means the club don’t have to pick up the cost later in the year. The club has applied for a Coronavirus Business Support Grant (£25,000) and club has received business rates relief for this tax year (£11,700). We wish to place on record its thanks to both Cheshire West & Chester Council and Flintshire County Council, who have been extremely supportive.

 

· We have been in frequent contact with the National League regarding the impact of the pandemic on the game. In April we supported a resolution asking member clubs to end the season and cancel remaining matches. The league has since asked member clubs whether the play-offs should be cancelled or postponed – the outcome of this vote has not yet been confirmed.

 

· We are due to receive circa £13,000 which is the advanced annual solidarity payment from the Premier League for the 2020/21 season. While this is not new money, we are grateful for the Premier League in bringing this payment forward three months.

 

· The virtual matchday initiatives have raised £4000 which will cover of the costs of improving the pitch over the summer. We wish to place on record our thanks to everyone who supported the virtual matchdays for making this possible.

 

· We have contacted sponsors and supporters who had booked hospitality packages for cancelled matches and we are extremely thankful to those who have generously advised the club to retain these funds. We have also received unsolicited donations from a number of supporters which are over and above forgoing pre-paid sponsorship and hospitality packages. This is an incredible gesture which is greatly appreciated and demonstrates what a true community club this is.

 

· We are currently contacting season ticket holders regarding the cancellation of the 2019/20 season and to discuss the options available. We are hugely grateful to those supporters inclusive of board members who have already informed the club to retain the full cost of their season ticket.

 

· The board has been holding at least two virtual meetings a week during the Covid-19 pandemic. These meetings have involved a number of key stakeholders and will continue for the foreseeable future.

 

· The Community Trust has been supporting the most vulnerable in our community with telephone befriending, practical assistance with shopping and prescriptions, delivering treat boxes to care home staff and producing Chester FC themed education resources for children who are home learning.

 

Next steps

 

Football

 

Like you, we are keen to see football return to the 1885 Arena as soon as possible. However, the board is united in its view that football can only return at a time when it is safe to do so for players, officials and supporters. We will continue to engage with the National League, footballing authorities and fellow member clubs on this matter and share any further updates with you at the earliest possible opportunity.

 

Season Tickets

 

This is normally the time of the year when supporters are able to renew their season tickets for the new campaign, however given the uncertainty around when football will return, which league we will be in and how many teams will be in the division, we do not believe we are in a position to start season ticket sales. This is one of the club’s main income sources and enables the club to work with the management to agree a playing budget for the new season. As the situation becomes clearer over the coming weeks and months, this position may change and we will communicate this to supporters at the earliest opportunity. The Fan Engagement Working Group (FEWG) has produced a season ticket pricing plan for the board to approve, however this will need to be revisited once more details are available regarding the future playing season.

 

Fundraising

 

As a supporter-owned club, fundraising is hugely important and as a board we genuinely appreciate every single penny and thank everyone who has donated past and present. These donations make a significant contribution to the sustainability and development of our club. We recognise the impact this crisis is having on people’s lives and know some of our supporters will be struggling. As a community club, we want you to know that we will do what we can to help you. The next few months will be extremely challenging and we have to continue to fundraise to ensure the future of Chester FC. We would welcome fundraising suggestions and ideas. We know we ask again and again, however this is your club and the more we can raise, the stronger we are.

 

Membership Renewals

 

CFU memberships expire on 31st May so now is the ideal opportunity to renew your membership for the next 12 months or sign up as new member. You can renew online at www.cityfansunited.com/join-city-fans-united and the cost remains just £12 per year to be an owner of our club. In these challenging times, your commitment and contribution is needed more than ever and of course the more members we have, the stronger we are collectively. Please consider setting up a Direct Debit for CFU membership via email to nick.phillipson@chesterfc.com as this makes future renewals much simpler and provides further revenue for your club as well giving you access to great benefits as a CFU member.

 

Enquiries

 

The 1885 Arena remains closed at this time and with most club staff on furlough leave, the board is continuing to respond to enquiries. Please email info@chesterfc.com if you have an enquiry and this will be forwarded to the relevant board member. We would be grateful for your patience given the current circumstances.

 

The Board is committed to maintaining the community ethos and values of Chester FC and taking the appropriate steps to safeguard the football club. The longer the current situation continues, the more challenging this will become, however we are confident that together we can emerge from these unprecedented times and look forward to a positive future.

 

We believe that as a fan-owned community club, we have a unique strength which is being demonstrated in the way everyone from the players and management, club staff, volunteers, academy, Community Trust, sponsors and most of all you as supporters has pulled together.

 

We commit to keeping you updated as we move forward and in the first instance ask you to consider renewing your CFU membership or signing up as a new member to support your club.

 

Until we can return to the pitch, please stay safe, do what you can to care for the most vulnerable and look after your family and friends.

 

Our City, Our Community, Our Club

 

The Board of City Fans United

CFU Board Statement

Posted by Jeff Banks on

City Fans United can confirm that Chairman David Harrington-Wright has decided to stand down from his current role as Chairman as well as membership on the Board of City Fans United.

 

Formally elected to the Board in October 2017, before taking over the role as Chairman in April the following Year, David oversaw a significant period of stability and revival for the Club which had been challenged through a financial crisis as well as subsequent flooding and the Covid-19 pandemic during his tenure.

 

In December 2019 David took the decision to temporarily step back from his role as Chairman to support and care for his wife Fiona who sadly passed away in January 2020. He has now decided to permanently stand down from his role which will allow him to focus on his own businesses and personal well-being during this difficult time.

 

David has agreed to kindly support the board through this period of transition for which the City Fans United board are grateful for.

 

Upon leaving his role and the Board David stated;

“ I have been truly honoured to be the Chairman and a board member of my beloved Chester FC, and it’s fair to say the almost three years on the board have been a roller coaster!

I would like to think I leave the club in a better position than when I joined – but it’s not been solely down to me. The hard work of all my fellow board members and many many volunteers is something I am immensely proud of, and I thank each and everyone of them.

A great thanks from me to all our sponsors as well who have stood by us in difficult times, and also to Stuart Murphy without whom we may not have seen as much quality football in the past year as we have!

Finally a great thanks to all the fans – the support I have received from the majority especially over the past year with the issues I had away from the club has been humbling.

I wish Chester the best going forward whenever Football recommences, as first and foremost I have always been a blue!’’

 

At the City Fans United Board Meeting held on 30th March 2020 it was confirmed that current Vice-Chairman Andrew Morris would step up into the role of Chairman initially until the next AGM scheduled for 22nd October 2020.

Andrew Morris stated ‘It is an honour to take up this role on behalf of the Board and the wider CFU membership and I look forward to continuing to work with David during his handover period and alongside my fellow Board Members to continue the good work and momentum this Club has built even during this difficult period

Under David Harrington-Wright’s stewardship this Club has progressed significantly on and off the field and I speak on behalf of all my fellow Board members when I say he will be missed’.

CFU’s Sign Up or Renew Now Campaign – Your Club Needs You!

Posted by Jeff Banks on

City Fans United recognise that we are in unprecedented times with the Coronavirus situation, and we urge everyone to stay safe and follow the advice presented to everyone to help get us through this uncertain and worrying time, for all of our families and friends.

 

For Chester FC, we are currently in territory not witnessed before as a football club, but are looking to meet this challenge head on, whilst we await news from the National League and Football Association, to try and establish a way forward for all clubs at Steps 1 and 2 in the football pyramid.

 

We know that nothing is guaranteed in our circles, but one thing that has always shone through is the support from our members and Chester fans in the UK, and indeed around the world,

 

We have a financial challenge that sees the club needing to raise a significant amount of money to guide us through the next few months, whilst we await news from the National League as to if and how they will support us.

 

So, how can the members of City Fans United and Chester FC help?

 

Well, this weekend, we would like to ask that all current members renew their City Fans United membership (if not done so already) and also consider at the same time setting up a Direct Debit to help us with our fighting fund going forward. So, this would mean a minimum £12 payment for annual membership, and a Direct Debit set up for a minimum of £2 per month – you can select the amount you wish to donate – please see the link below to set this up:

 

Renew Your Membership today & Set up a Direct Debit 

 

If you cannot stretch to both, then please either renew or join City Fans United for the first time via the link below, with a £12 payment – or instead, set up a Direct Debit for monthly payments for a minimum of £2 per month – whatever you can spare is truly appreciated by City Fans United.

 

Why set up a Direct Debit?

 

Well, that’s easy. It makes so much easier for future renewals as your membership will automatically renew in future years.

 

10 years ago, many members encouraged family members to help save football in the City of Chester, and now we need that monumental effort again – so please ask your family and friends to get involved again by becoming a member of City Fans United, and being a part owner of Chester FC!

 

Sign up here today

 

We would like to thank each and every one of you for playing your part this weekend, in trying to fundraise for Chester FC!

 

Stay safe.

 

Our City, Our Community, Our Club.

 

CFU Members April Meeting Cancelled

Posted by Jeff Banks on

Please note the forthcoming CFU members meeting initially set for Thursday 9th April, has been cancelled due to the ongoing challenges with the Coronavirus pandemic.

 

A new date will be set in due course, and we will be updating members of the ongoing situation, and how CFU members can help the club in what will be a financially challenging time.

 

Please continue to stay up to date with the latest public health advice, available here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Boys & Boden offer Members FREE Discount Card

Posted by Jeff Banks on

City Fans United are delighted to announce a new benefit for CFU members to take advantage of, as local builder’s merchants and DIY megastore Boys and Boden are offering every CFU member a new discount card to use in their store, based in Bretton, Chester (next to Airbus).

 

Visit the Boys and Boden website here for further information on what they have to offer in the one-stop shop for Building & Plumbing, Kitchen and DIY.

 

Gary Bebbington of Boys and Boden, was thrilled to be able to offer CFU members the discount, “We’re delighted to be able to offer City Fans United members our new discount card free of charge at Boys and Boden. We are a business that cares about the Community and we wanted to work with Chester FC knowing they are a fan owned club with the community at its heart.”

 

Boys and Boden are also giving discount cards to EVERY volunteer at Chester FC, in recognition of the role they play at the club, “We know that the success of Chester FC is built on volunteers and we wanted to offer our own thanks by giving those volunteers a discount card of their own. We also have our own café here in store, and if any volunteers or members with their discount card come in to the café and order food like a bacon or sausage sandwich then we’ll throw in a free cuppa to go with it!”

 

Kieron Shiel, the Chester FC director responsible for the Volunteers portfolio said, “It’s great to have Boys and Boden on board with our discount scheme that allows members to benefit by way of the free discount card, and it’s also a real positive to have another business approach Chester FC who have our excellent team of volunteers in their thoughts to reward too. Thanks to Gary and everyone at Boys and Boden for helping to make this happen!”

 

Chester FC’s extensive list of volunteers will shortly be presented with their discount card, whilst existing CFU members just need to produce their membership card at the till area in the Boys and Boden store on Broughton Mills Road, off Chester Road, in Bretton, Chester (next to Airbus) where they will then be given a free discount card to use in-store.

 

For Boys and Boden opening times please visit their website

CFU members to vote on new Home shirt

Posted by Jeff Banks on

 

Chester FC have announced on Monday that the members of City Fans United will vote on the design of the 2020/22 home shirt.

 

Renew your CFU membership here

 

In a press release on the official club website, it also confirms that Kappa have been chosen as Chester’s kit partner following the ending of an 8 year relationship with Puma.

 

Further details of the new shirt choices will be revealed later in the week, and CFU members will get to vote on next year’s home shirt, whilst CFU Junior Blues will be invited to a competition to design a new away kit, with details also following later this week.

 

Jeff Banks, director of Fan Engagement was delighted that the members will get the chance to choose the new shirts, “We’ve introduced some great benefits for members in the last 12 months, but the chance to have a say in the new shirts was always an important one for everyone on the Fan Engagement Working Group (FEWG) and we can all look forward to some great choices I’m sure.”

 

If you haven’t renewed your CFU membership, then now is the time to do just that, just click the link below and you can simply renew online.

Renew your CFU membership here

 

FREE Chips! Chip Chip Hooray!

Posted by Jeff Banks on

CHIP’D, the Dutch-inspired artisan chip shop based in Northgate Street who provide one of our members discounts, are celebrating their first birthday on Saturday 8th February at 12pm. To celebrate, the first 50 guests will receive a FREE cone of chips. Grab your free chips then head down to Chester FC home game against Blyth Spartans!

 

Click here to view all of our members discounts

 

To celebrate a busy first year and to say thank-you to all their customers, the first 50 guests through the door from 12pm will receive a free cone of their delicious ‘twice-cooked’ chips, along with a dip of choice from the impressive range of 17 tasty sauces.

 

Local MP Chris Matheson will be kicking the party off and joining the celebrations in store. There will be music and free face painting for the kids.

 

Founder, Andrew McKechnie, comments: “Our first year has been a blast, we have been busy serving our chips to our customers who enjoy our delicious, fresh food, lovely team and welcoming shop on Northgate St. This time last year most people didn’t know what a Dutch chip was, but now they know their Frikandels from their Frites sauce! We have had lots of highlights over the year from winning awards for our food and friendly staff to collaborations with The Bao Revolution, Meltdown, Chester Beer & Wine and The Konie Boys. 2020 is set up to be another great year for us with new vegan menu items, more local food collaborations, involvement in Chester Live and we’ll continue to support Chester FC and their loyal supporters. We will be out and about in our new Food Truck bringing our chips, dips & snacks to events, festivals & parties. Everyone in Chester has been so supportive so this is our way of saying thank-you with a free cone of chips!”

 

CHIP’D specialise in Dutch-style chips, taking the finest Agria potatoes, hand-chipping them, twice-cooking them before flipping in salt and serving with a mouth-watering range of sauces. CHIP’D also serve up tasty snacks such as Bitterballen, Frikandel, Croquettes, Chick’n Dippers & Mozzarella Dippers. They have an extensive vegan offer and cater to guests looking for Gluten Free or Halal options.

 

Remember, CFU members can benefit from a regular discount of 15% discount on all food upon production of CFU membership card (cannot be used in conjunction with other offers). PLUS a FREE portion of Bitterballen for CFU members on home matchdays!!!

 

CHIP’D is at 124 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HT and delivery via Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.

Opening hours are 7 days a week 11:30am till 8pm and 10pm Fri & Sat.

For more information, email info@chipd.co.uk

or visit: https://chipd.co.uk

or follow: https://www.instagram.com/chipflipdip/https://www.facebook.com/chipflipdip