Chester FC: Fans ready to rejoice Chester FC rebirth at Colwyn Bay

Jul 8 2010 by Paul Wheelock, Chester Chronicle

FOUR months to the day since Chester City FC were wound up in the High Court, hundreds of rejuvenated and expectant Blues fans will trek down the North Wales coast on Saturday to witness the birth of a new era.

The moment supporters have dreamed of arrives when resurrected Chester FC take to the field for the first time with a friendly at Colwyn Bay.

The match will be so much more than a pre-season opener – it will be the day the pride returns.

Chester’s new and ambitious players will walk on to the Llanelian Road turf representing a club in fine shape for the future whose fans are more united than ever.

While these supporters would no doubt love a winning start, in truth the result hardly matters – what’s more important is that the Blues are back.

Chester chairman Chris Pilsbury believes it will be a genuinely emotional moment when the referee’s whistle blows at 3pm.

“It will be an amazing feeling,” said 62-year-old Pilsbury, a Blues fan since 1959 who is also chairman of the City Fans United supporters group responsible for reviving the club.

“It is amazing how far we’ve come in the space of four months. From total oblivion to where we are today – we have a club, a team and now our very first match.

“I find it quite stunning what we – and by we I mean every City Fans United member and Chester supporter – have achieved in just four months.

“It got very sad towards the end of Chester City FC. I can just remember standing on the North Terrace and all the people that used to stand with me and around me had gone. But I’m sure they will be back now it is our club again.”

After the final death knell sounded on Chester City FC on March 10, Blues fans redoubled their efforts to restore senior football to the city – and achieved their aim when the council handed CFU the keys to the Deva Stadium on May 5.

In the two months since, CFU officials have not only had Chester FC accepted into the Evo-Stik League but also appointed a respected manager in Neil Young who has put together a strong squad in double-quick time.

Barrie Hipkiss, a stalwart fan of more than 60 years, summed up the feeling of all Chester followers when he said: “Saturday is the beginning of a new era for the club and I can’t wait. In the dark days I didn’t see a way forward, but the fans have pulled together and achieved what seemed impossible. We are back.”

Kick-off at Colwyn Bay on Saturday is 3pm. Admission is £6 for adults, £4 for concessions and £1 for children.