Tag: City Fans United

CFU Board Update

 

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

CFU Membership Renewals

 

It’s that time again for City Fans United memberships to be renewed as the current annual membership period starts on Monday 1st June. If you have already renewed your membership for the 2020-21 membership period (1st June 2020-31st May 2021) then we thank you for doing so, and for your continued support. Members already on a direct debit will see their membership auto renew.

 

To renew, or sign up for the first time please follow the instructions below:

 

Direct Debit

Now is a great time to set up a Direct Debit to ensure that your membership auto-renews in the future. You will also be helping the club at the same time with extra revenue that it needs given the current circumstances.

 

We will shortly be rolling out an incentive programme which is tailored to those contributing monthly amounts on Direct Debit, from £5 per month upwards. Details to follow on this scheme shortly but you can get ahead of the game and set the Direct Debit up straight away.

 

To set up a monthly Direct Debit for your CFU membership, please email nick.phillipson@chesterfc.com who will then be able to arrange this easily with you.

 

Your CFU membership will then continue to renew on the 1st June each year going forward making it extremely simple to manage.

 

Additional contributions on top of the annual £12 fee will be classed as donations to City Fans United.

 

You can of course join or renew your membership online with the flat £12 annual membership fee, via our online link below:

Click here to Log In and Renew Online

 

We are continuing to process CFU membership renewals or new membership application forms that have been posted to the club, but please bear in mind we have a small number of volunteers processing these at present and appreciate your patience in dealing with those.

Membership cards will be produced in due course.

 

Thank you once again for your support and understanding at this difficult time for everyone, and we look forward to a point when we can once again cheer on The Blues at the Deva Stadium.

 

Jeff Banks

Director of Membership & Fan Engagement

 

CFU Board Update

The board of City Fans United have strengthened their ranks with a new addition.

 

We would like to welcome Adam Langan, who has been co-opted to the board until the AGM later this year.

 

On joining the board, Adam said, “I am honoured and delighted to be joining the board in such a pivotal time for our club, I am excited to offer my skills to benefit the club I’ve supported for 20+years. I’m extremely excited to solidify the links between the council and the club and am extremely passionate about improving the stadiums facilities and the clubs infrastructure as these are the long term assets that if improved will enable us to compete at a higher level.”

 

CFU Chairman Andrew Morris, officially welcomed Adam to the board, “On behalf of the CFU board I am delighted to welcome Adam following his co-option to the board this week. Adam brings with him a range of skills and experience developed through his time working in local politics as well as experience and skills in community engagement which will be vital as the Club moves forward.”

 

In 2020 there have been some movements on the board, with Nick Phillipson joining as an Non-Executive Director, effectively assuming the role of Richard Lynes who stood down in December, and of course David Harrington-Wright stepped down as Chairman earlier this year.

 

 

CFU Strategic Plan Consultation

City Fans United has produced a draft strategic plan setting out a five-year vision for Chester FC and is now asking members and supporters for their views to help shape the final plan.

 

An initial consultation launches today giving fans and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback and tell us what matters to you.

 

The consultation, which runs until Monday 1st June, includes an online survey and a series of interactive virtual workshops.

 

CFU Strategic Plan Consultation

 

Developed in collaboration with Chester FC Community Trust, the draft plan aims to provide a blueprint for the future and establish the Club as a successful, sustainable force for the long-term.

 

It is based upon six strategic pillars which will enable the Club to achieve its ambitions: Football Excellence; Membership & Fan Engagement; Better Facilities; People & Culture; Finance & Governance; and Community.

 

Andrew Morris, City Fans United Chairman, said: “The final strategic plan will reflect our shared vision and ambitions for the Club so the contribution of members and supporters is of vital importance.

“These are unprecedented times for football and all clubs are having to respond to overcome new challenges, but we believe our ownership model is an asset and means we are better placed than many to do this.

“Given the uncertainty about when football will resume, what it will look like when it does and whether crowds will be permitted, the Board has adopted a flexible business plan model which is an ongoing process.

“The strategic plan is a high level summary that will guide the Club for the next five years and enable us to move to the next level and realise the potential of the supporter-owned model.

“The plan must represent the aspirations of the membership so we are asking every supporter to take part in the consultation and tell us what is important to them.”

 

CFU Strategic Plan Consultation

New CFU Members Voting Rights Are Suspended Until Further Notice

New CFU Members Voting Rights Are Suspended Until Further Notice

 

From Sunday 10th May any NEW members joining City Fans United will be unable to cast a vote in any upcoming decisions that require a member vote until further notice.

 

After this date all renewing, current or lapsed members will of course retain any rights they had when they originally joined.

 

We would also remind any members whose membership is about to lapse that should you not be a registered member at the time of any future vote on CFU matters then you will be unable to take part.

 

If you have any questions on this decision please email info@chesterfc.com

 

If you have any questions about your current membership status please email membership@cityfansunited.com

 

The City Fans United Board of Directors

Notification to Members – Thursday 7th May, 2020

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

 

CFU Board Statement

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!

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

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

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