Chester City FC: Local Cheshire teams offer alternative days out for Blues fans

Mar 11 2010 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

A HOST of sporting clubs are offering Chester fans special deals for the remainder of the season after the Blues were kicked out of the Football Conference and wound up in the High Court.

Chester Rugby Club host Penrith at Hare Lane this Saturday (3pm) and entry is free to all Chester City supporters.

Disenfranchised Blues fans just need to identify themselves at the gate, with a season ticket or other City membership, to enjoy a day of rugby instead of football.

Lorenzo Mansutti, sponsorship manager of Chester Rugby Club, said: “It is sad for the city that the football club has suffered this fate.

“We just want to give fans the opportunity to come and watch some live sport in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere at a time when they are probably missing that.”

In the football world, Welsh Premier League side Airbus UK Broughton, who already have a number of Chester fans watching them regularly, have halved admission prices to £3 for anyone who lets them know on the gate they support Chester City.

The offer runs until the end of the season.

“They don’t have to show anything, just turn up and let us know you’re a Chester fan,” said Airbus secretary Phil Bailey, who was named Chester’s fan of the year a decade ago before calling time on his days at the Deva due to the regime of Stephen Vaughan’s predecessor, Terry Smith.

“We offer no politics or debate, just good football, food, drink and a decent club shop.

“Airbus is a forward-thinking club and we try to run it well so that coming to watch football is enjoyable.”

Witton Albion, who play at Wincham Park in Northwich, are offering Blues season ticket holders free entry to their remaining home games in UniBond League Division One South on production of their season ticket, CFU card or other proof of membership.