Chester City FC: Chester businessman David Pickering accuses city of being disinterested in cash-strapped club

May 28 2009 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

A DEAFENING silence has met businessman David Pickering’s attempts to rally the Chester business community around the crisis-hit Blues.

Chester City Centre Management chairman Pickering has tried to spark interest among his many business contacts to save the financially- stricken club, which was put into administration a fortnight ago.

But he says a meeting he arranged to discuss a prospective bid at the Grosvenor Hotel on Monday has received few responses – and he has threatened to call off his efforts if there is no interest by tomorrow morning.

Pickering said: “I have tried to get corporate Chester behind the club to see if we can come up with a solution.

“But the response has been very poor. I think it shows that the people of Chester are no longer interested in the football club, and that is a real shame.

“I am still willing to hold a meeting on Monday, but if by Friday morning no-one has contacted me, I will cancel.”

Administrators Refresh Recovery yesterday revealed only one firm bidder has come forward.

A meeting will be held at the Deva Stadium on June 11 where creditors will be updated on the current situation.

Bill Brandon, of Refresh Recovery, told The Chronicle: “At the moment, (majority shareholder) Stephen Vaughan is underwriting the club’s expenses.

“There is no income coming in, and the club has also been instructed not to sell season tickets.

“At our meeting the creditors will be given details of one potential bidder who has come forward.”

Chester’s slide into administration has sparked the club’s supporters’ groups into action.

Fans are being urged to attend an open meeting to discuss City’s plight at the Deva Showbar on Station Road, Chester, tonight (7.45 start). And Chester City Exiles have arranged an open meeting for all ‘exiled’ supporters on Monday in the Rugby Tavern on Great James Street, London (7.30pm).

Exiles chairwoman Pauline Meakins said: “There have been very few words of reassurance that this is the right step for the club and things will change significantly, which most supporters hope for.

“It is a very sorry situation.”

Anyone interested in meeting David Pickering to discuss the options presented by the club’s situation should contact him as soon as possible on 01244 629495.

A sporting legends night in aid of Chester’s Centre of Excellence, featuring Chester City and Everton stars of the past, is being held at the Slow Boat restaurant in Chester tonight at 7pm.

Former Everton players Ian Snodin and Duncan McKenzie will be joined by comedian Mickey Finn and as yet unnamed former Chester favourites.

Tickets cost £30 and include a Chinese banquet. They can be purchased by calling 07831 213018.