Tag: Chester FC

City Fans United Membership Renewals – Renew Today!

Posted by Jeff Banks on

It’s the 1st March and from today City Fans United members not currently on Direct Debit can renew their memberships which will then run through to the 31st May 2022. 

Given the challenges that have been faced at Chester FC over the coming 12 months, we are aiming to provide the strongest possible start to next season for the club and by renewing now you will be helping the club to do just that. 

This year, we’re also asking City Fans United to help choose the new 2021/22 away kit with details to follow shortly on that, so even more reason to renew your membership! 

There are also a number of member discounts available including offers on holidays, food and drink and other great products. 

If you pay your membership on Direct Debit or have a recurring payment set up on Paypal then you don’t need to do anything as your payment will continue into the next membership year.  

If you have a standing order in place with your bank, we would ask you to cancel this and set up a Direct Debit.

To set up please email : nick.phillipson@chesterfc.com  

If not already on Direct Debit: 

To renew your membership, simply follow the instructions below: 

Visit the link – Members Section – City Fans United 

Select Renew Membership 

Log in to your account 

Complete the Renew Membership form including the amount which you would like to pay (the minimum being £12). 

Complete the transaction 

Your membership will be renewed until 31 May 2022. 

CFU Meeting

Posted by Jeff Banks on

Due to the offensive material that appeared during our Zoom meeting this evening, we were forced to bring our meeting to a close earlier than anticipated.

City Fans United would like to apologize to anyone that was offended by the material that suddenly appeared on the meeting, and we removed it as quickly as possible, but unfortunately repeated attempts meant we had no alternative but to close the meeting.

We were at the point where Anthony Johnson was about to do a Q&A, so we will put a separate article together to provide you with the answers that he was going to give to your questions, in the very near future.

Again, apologies for the events that were completely out of our hands this evening.

CFU Meeting – Zoom Instructions

Posted by Jeff Banks on

Tomorrow night it’s your chance to tune into the City Fans United informal meeting, which will be held via Zoom at 7.30pm.

 

There will be brief updates from the board including the very latest from Chester FC with regards to the current situation in the National League North. We will also have Chester FC manager Anthony Johnson on the call as well, who will be there for a Q&A and to bring you an update on how the squad and management team are dealing with the current climate.

 

If you have a question for the board or manager, then please email this to jeff.banks@chesterfc.com by 3pm Thursday 11th February.

 

We’re sure there will be plenty of questions on the same subject, and whilst we’ll be monitoring the CHAT function on the call, we would like to be able to bring you the answers to the questions received by 3pm.

 

This will also help reduce the amount of duplicate questions asked on the night.

 

Thursday night’s meeting is open to non-members too, so please join from 7pm where you will be placed into a meeting room before being admitted into the meeting close to 7.30pm.

 

Usual etiquette on the Zoom meeting applies, and all microphones will be muted during the meeting unless invited to un-mute.

 

Here’s the link for the meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92243332658?pwd=SW1qRlNtTFZxNGlmcnV5Zi95RHBwUT09

 

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night!

Board Statement – Wednesday 3rd February

Posted by Jeff Banks on

Chester FC wishes to update our supporters regarding the National League resolutions received on Monday evening.

 

The Board has begun a detailed review of the resolutions and the potential implications of the possible outcomes for our club.

We recognise the urgency of the situation and intend to respond as quickly as possible, but not before full consideration has been given. We have written to the National League asking for clarification on several points to assist us in reaching the best decision for our club.

We do not believe it reasonable to expect clubs to continue playing matches and incurring additional costs until the outcome is known. Given the importance of the resolutions, we feel the suspension of fixtures in the North and South divisions should be extended for a further week to allow clubs to focus fully on the matter at hand.

 

We will continue to keep our members and supporters updated.

CFU Meeting put back to Thursday 11th February

Posted by Jeff Banks on
This week’s informal City Fans United meeting initially scheduled for Thursday night will be put back by one week given the board of directors are currently working through the resolutions distributed to its member clubs by the National League.
We will be raising a number of points with the National League before we look to vote on the resolutions to consider the outcome of the 2020/21 season and would like to have full and accurate information available to inform those attending the CFU meeting which will now take place on Thursday 11th February at 7.30pm.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding and look forward to seeing you all at the Zoom meeting next Thursday night.

City Fans United Informal Meeting – February 4th 7.30pm

Posted by Jeff Banks on

It’s been a while since we last held a meeting, but we’re pleased to be able to announce that the next members meeting, which will be an informal meeting, will take place via Zoom on Thursday 4th February, starting at 7.30pm.

The meeting will offer those who are members and those that aren’t (yet) to tune into find out the latest from within Chester FC.

As the open meeting will take place via Zoom, we will send out the link for the meeting closer to the date, and will be announced both on the CFU website and Chester FC social media channels.

We’ll have updates from the portfolios held by the directors, and hope to confirm other guests in due course.

We look forward to you joining us on the night.

CFU Board Appointments & Portfolios

Posted by Jeff Banks on

The board of City Fans United is pleased to update our members on the portfolio assignments following the recent AGM and elections.

 

Andrew Morris has been elected as Chair and will continue in the role with the board electing Jim Green as Vice Chair. Chris Robson will provide valuable support to board members having been appointed to continue as CFU Secretary.

 

Nick Phillipson, who previously served as a Non-Executive Director, has been co-opted to the board, and Chris Robertson has been co-opted until spring 2021 to facilitate a handover having decided to step down from his position as an External Director and Treasurer.

 

With the exception of Andrew Morris as Chair, each board member has been assigned at least one portfolio, with support from board members, staff, volunteers and working groups as appropriate.

 

Commercial – Paul Bodman

Community – Jim Green

Facilities – Nick Phillipson

Fan Engagement & Membership – Jeff Banks

Finance – Chris Robertson

Football – Jim Green

Fundraising – Adam Langan

Governance – Nick Phillipson

Marketing & Digital – Alex Owen

Retail – Kieron Shiel

Systems – Alex Owen & Kieron Shiel

Volunteering & People – Kieron Shiel

Youth – Mike Vickers

 

Andrew Morris, Chair of CFU, said: “Without doubt the coming 12 months are going to be up there with the most challenging in the Clubs’ history as we move out of the current lockdown and deal with the long-term impact of Covid on the Club and our local community. That said I am pleased that we are now in a position as a Board, post AGM, to respond to these challenges in the most robust way possible and continue to work in a transparent manner for the benefit of the CFU Members”

 

Portfolio holders will now identify key objectives and priorities for their respective areas of responsibility, which will be communicated to members at the next CFU members meeting in January.

 

The board wishes to take this opportunity to thank David Williams, Mike Day and Mark Jones for their valuable contributions to CFU and outstanding service over a number of years having stepped down at the AGM.

 

AGM Deferral Notice

Posted by Jeff Banks on

It had been anticipated that we would be writing to you this week with all the documentation for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) as required under our constitution. A key element of the AGM is to review the historic financial performance of the club and provide an outline of our finances over the coming year . We are not required to have a formal audit, but our Accountants, Hargreaves and Wood, provide members with an independent assessment of our statutory accounts for 2019/20 and comment on the club’s financial prospects for 2020/21.

 

As you all will be aware Football finds itself in very uncertain times at present with significant threat to the 2020/21 season given the ongoing impact of COVID-19. This has been further compounded following the recent decision by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to retain our elite classification, preventing the admittance of spectators, and this has created significant uncertainty over the financial modelling for the coming year.

 

At present the Club is awaiting details of the financial support we understand that central government is prepared to provide to enable us to play our matches behind closed doors. Once we have these details we will be able to judge whether this is sufficient to cover the resulting funding shortfall (i.e. gate receipts, season tickets, hospitality, sponsorship, etc.). The Board and our Accountants feel that these things need to be finalised before we can effectively brief members about the financial position and our plans for the season ahead.

 

As a Board we believe that the financial sustainability of the Football Club Is a fundamental cornerstone of the AGM process and as such it would be inappropriate to hold the meeting until such a time the club and our accountants have the necessary details and can provide an informed narrative. As such the decision has been made to postpone the AGM meeting until Thursday 12th November at 19:30, which will be facilitated via the Zoom platform to comply with social distancing measures. The documentation for the AGM, including the financial report will be sent out at least two weeks in advance of the AGM.”

 

CFU Board Update

Posted by Jeff Banks on

 

Chester FC can provide a further update to supporters and City Fans United members in relation to the club’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and uncertain footballing landscape.

 

The human cost of the crisis has been devastating and thoughts of everyone at the club are with those who have suffered loss. The pandemic will have a lasting impact for us all and the challenges facing football clubs may seem inconsequential in comparison, but as a Board we must focus on our responsibilities as your elected representatives.

 

Without question, the coronavirus outbreak poses a significant threat to football clubs at all levels and indeed the game as a whole.

 

The Board is committed to safeguarding the football club and ensuring it remains financially sustainable so we can overcome these challenges together and prepare for the safe return of football. This commitment means the Board must be prepared to make difficult but necessary decisions if required.

 

Complicating the current situation is the continued uncertainty over how the 2019/20 campaign will be concluded and the prospect of a potential play-off campaign. We are sure supporters will appreciate that while this remains a possibility, it has a bearing on the Board’s decisions and actions. To this end, we have decided it is not appropriate to publish a retained list until the 2019/20 season has been decided.

 

We do not know when football will resume, but it is clear that for clubs such as ours playing behind closed doors is neither practical nor financially sustainable. When crowds can return, it is likely social distancing measures will limit attendances and in turn reduce matchday income, the biggest source of revenue for most clubs.

 

The Board’s immediate focus has been on stabilising the club following the suspension of the season and initial loss of income, but we are now developing longer term plans to ensure we are prepared for whatever happens in the next 12 months and beyond. This is a complex process as it includes planning for several different scenarios linked to when football might return with budgets for each of them.

 

We understand some fans may be worried about the future or concerned about the impact of Stuart Murphy’s decision to end his association with the Club, but we want to assure you that we can come through this period together and emerge in a position to continue being a competitive force on the pitch.

 

Football finances at our level will look very different in the future and, while we must navigate the immediate challenges over the next 12 months, we believe this will ultimately be to the advantage of those clubs who operate sustainably.

 

As a club we are in a fortunate position: we have strong relationships with key stakeholders and sponsors; and we have a fan base filled with passion and enthusiasm that provides unwavering support.

 

It is a reality of supporter ownership that financial contributions from fans are vital and every penny the club receives is appreciated and benefits our club.

 

In the next week we will be launching a new crowdfunding scheme to help the first team budget for the 2020/21 season. We have listened to members and observed what other clubs have done, and we know many fans wish to help the managers deliver what everyone wants: an exciting, successful and talented team that makes supporters proud. If you are able to, this is your opportunity to pledge or donate to supplement the playing budget and make a massive difference to our club’s preparations for the new season.

 

Please find below an update on the most recent steps the Board has taken in an effort to navigate through this difficult period:

  • We continue to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the majority of club staff remain on furlough leave with some rotation as operations dictate. Given the play-offs remain a possibility; we have re-engaged most of the first team squad on short-term contracts until 27th June. Furloughed employees will now receive 80% of their salaries up to a maximum of £2500 per month and the Board wishes to thank the players, non-playing and non-football staff for their agreement to ensure we can preserve the club’s resources and protect roles. The CJRS has been extended until the end of October although government support will be tapered and we will continue to review our use of the scheme.
  • We have received a Coronavirus Business Support Grant (£25,000) through Flintshire County Council and continue to take steps to manage ongoing running costs and annual outgoings such as utilities and insurances. We are grateful to those companies who have agreed payment holidays and payment plans.
  • We continue to engage with the National League and fellow member clubs regarding the pandemic’s impact on the game, the options for completing the 2019/20 season and arrangements for the 2020/21 campaign and safe return of football.
  • We are hugely grateful to our season ticket holders who waived the offer of a partial refund following the cancellation of the 2019/20 campaign. The Board is acutely aware of the impact of the crisis on the economy and processed a small number of refund requests; however this represented less than 2.5% of the total potential liabilities. Thank you for your incredible support.
  • The Board has been strengthened with the co-option of Adam Langan until the AGM later this year. Adam is a lifelong supporter of the Blues and serves as a councillor for Newton and Hoole on Cheshire West & Chester Council.
  • We have received more than 1300 responses to the initial consultation on the draft strategic plan for Chester FC produced last month. The depth and volume of feedback received is hugely valuable and this will now be reviewed in detail to further develop the plan in preparation for the next phase of the consultation.
  • The Community Trust has maintained its work in the local area to assist vulnerable supporters and residents during the pandemic, including partnership working with other local charities and agencies to collect prescriptions and delivering hot meals.

 

As stated above, the Fundraising Working Group has been developing a new crowdfunder scheme to boost the first team budget for next season. It is important this scheme is properly developed to ensure it achieves its purpose.

 

The group has been strengthened with several new members and has been meeting regularly to explore other ways to raise funds to help the club remain sustainable while there is no football being played.

 

The pandemic is having a very real impact on people’s finances and we know some of our supporters will be struggling. Whatever financial assistance you can give our club really does help and this is not something we take for granted. If you have ideas or suggestions for fundraising, please email david.williams@chesterfc.com.

 

In the past fortnight groundsman Mike Barrow has been able to start the annual pitch renovations using the £4000 raised through the virtual matchdays. Mike has asked us to express his sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed.

 

Last month we launched the first retro Chester City shirt last month and received almost 300 pre-orders, raising a further £4000 for our club. Claim Your Turf has brought in more than £1200 in a few days and the club shop volunteers are running a flash sale and have also launched branded face masks, bringing in further valuable funds. Fundraising is a team effort and you are the key components of that team so thank you again to everyone who has donated.

 

CFU Membership

CFU memberships for 2019/20 expired on 31st May so if you haven’t yet renewed or wish to sign up as a new member, now is the perfect time. The cost to be an owner of our club remains just £12 per year and you can renew online at www.cityfansunited.com/join-city-fans-united. We are delighted the number of members paying via Direct Debit continues to grow as this can significantly increase revenue for our club and makes future renewals much simpler. To set up a Direct Debit, email nick.phillipson@chesterfc.com.

 

Claim Your Turf

From as little as £25 you can sponsor a piece of the hallowed turf at the Deva Stadium for the 2020/21 season and raise funds for the club’s Squadbuilder campaign. Claim Your Turf allows supporters or local businesses to have their name, photograph, message or logo printed in the matchday programme for each home league fixture, on the Chester FC website and on the wall of the Blues Bar at the end of the season. You’ll also be invited to a special end of season function. Email fundraising@chesterfc.com to Claim Your Turf.

 

Season Tickets
We have received a number of requests for season ticket renewals and sales. Your support is greatly appreciated and this is of course a key income stream for the club. However, we believe the sensible approach is to wait until we have some clarity about football’s return including the league structure, season length, number of fixtures and potential crowds, before starting season ticket sales. Rest assured, as soon as we have received the appropriate level of information we will update supporters.

 

Given the pace at which this unprecedented situation continues to develop, the Board remains in constant dialogue and is holding virtual meetings at least once a week, as well as having regular discussions with key partners and stakeholders, including MBNA and the council.

 

We will endeavour to provide further updates to members and supporters as regularly as possible and thank you for your continued support, patience and understanding.

 

Keep safe and we look forward to seeing you back at our home soon.

 

Our City, Our Community, Our Club

The Board of City Fans United

John Danby achieves Hall of Fame status

Posted by Jeff Banks on

City Fans United are delighted to learn that former Chester City and Chester FC goalkeeper, John Danby, has become the latest inductee in to the Hall of Fame.

 

The Chester Former Players Association, who present nominations for the Hall of Fame to the club board, released the news that Danby, who featured in Chester City’s later years and the reformed Chester FC’s early years, had been granted the accolade that is shared by the likes of the late Gary Talbot, Daryl Clare, Stuart Rimmer, and George Horan to name but a few.

 

The release reads, “Chester’s record-breaking goalkeeper John Danby, a player whose career with the Blues stretched over both versions of the football club, is to join the club’s Hall of Fame.

 

Danby was originally signed by Mark Wright for Chester City from Kidderminster Harriers in 2006, making 165 league appearances before the club folded in 2010. He was ever-present in two of those campaigns, as well as the ill-fated 2009-10 season, including Chester City’s final match, against Ebbsfleet in February 2010. Such was his consistency that he missed only five league games in those four seasons, breaking Mike Metcalf’s 40-year-old record for the most consecutive appearances with 128 and extending that tally to 133. He was voted Player of the Season in 2006-07.

 

He signed for Eastwood Town after the demise of the original club but 18 months later answered the call from Neil Young to return to the Deva Stadium for the second campaign of the newly-formed Chester FC. He stepped into a team which had just won the EvoStik North in its first season and played a major part in the club’s next two consecutive championships, the EvoStik Premier in 2012 and the Conference North in 2013. He set another club record, for the most consecutive clean sheets held for over 30 years by Grenville Millington, going eight games without conceding a goal in the 2011-12 season. That achievement helped him win the non-league Goalkeeper of the Year award.

 

Having played nearly 300 games for both versions of the club, Danby left Chester in the summer of 2014 when the club’s daytime training schedule meant he couldn’t combine it with his other career as a personal trainer. He spent last season with Flint Town United.

 

Chair of the Former Players Association Alan Tarbuck said: ‘John has a fantastic record at Chester – it isn’t just the number of games, it’s the quality of his performances as well. He is an outstanding goalkeeper and a great professional, and we were lucky to have him representing Chester. He played a big part in the new venture of Chester FC and I would like to congratulate him, on behalf of all the former players, on being elected to the Hall of Fame.’

The formal presentation to John, which would normally take place on the pitch at a home game, will inevitably have to wait until football resumes.”

 

City Fans United would like to congratulate John on this award, and look forward to seeing him receive the official recognition on the pitch at the Deva Stadium in the near future.

 

You can read more about the Chester Former Players Association here