Chester FC Media Officer, Jeff Banks, is to step down from his role on the board of directors at the end of the season.
Jeff, 40, was one of the first members of the board when the Club reformed back in March 2010 having been part of the launch of City Fans United a year earlier.
Banks, who watched his first Chester match when he was 8 years old is standing down so that he can focus on the arrival of his first baby, which is due to arrive in April.
“It’s been an incredible journey that I’ve been absolutely privileged to be part of, and it’s also been a very challenging time combining family life, work and football all together and things have probably not been in that order during the last 5 years, and with our first baby coming along next month, the time is right now to throw all my energies behind my family, and especially my wife Michelle, who has had the patience of a saint!”
“I’m extremely proud of what’s been achieved at the club since March 2010, and I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has helped play their part in making it a very, very special club with some unbelievable memories and fantastic fans. I would encourage more people to join the board though as we need more manpower in there to help drive the club forward, and join the talented people that currently give everything they have on the board.”
Jeff, who heads up a media team on matchdays, also wanted to thank those who fulfil vital roles for the benefit of others, “I have an outstanding team of people who look after various media roles and I’d really like to take the opportunity to thank all of them for their professional coverage they provide.”
Chairman, Tony Durkin admitted he would be sorry to see Jeff leave the board, “I was very sorry when Jeff told me of his decision to stand down from the CFU board. Jeff has been a valued and hard working director and will be sorely missed.
“I understand Jeff’s decision in the light of the arrival of the first baby for Jeff and Michelle, which as most of us know can be a very demanding situation, and we fully support his decision. I am sure that Jeff will continue to support our club when he can, as a volunteer, with our fantastic media facilities, supporting the Media team to bring us all the latest news and match day information.
“The board wish Jeff and Michelle all the very best and look forward to news of another Junior Blue, future mascot and who knows, future board member amongst our ranks ? It goes without saying that if Jeff ever feels that the time is right to rejoin the board I would endorse his appointment unreservedly. Best wishes Jeff and Michelle, we all look forward to hearing your exciting news.”
Banks has already confirmed to the board that despite standing down, he will still be volunteering for the club wherever possible on the media side of the club.
