CHESTER’S footballing heroes have been promised a civic reception and open top bus tour of the city if they clinch promotion tomorrow.
While millions will be celebrating the royal wedding, thousands of Chester FC fans will also be waiting for the result of the final match at Garforth Town.
One point will be enough to win promotion from the Evo-Stik First Division North 14 months after the Blues were thrown out of the Football Conference.
Re-born as a fans’ club with unwavering support, the team has started the long climb back – assuming no freak results tomorrow.
The plan for a reception for the team hosted by the Lord Mayor, following a city centre tour in an open top bus, was revealed by Steve Robinson, chief executive of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
He said: “If we get the result everyone wants on Friday, we will immediately choose a date for the celebrations.”
In May last year, the council backed the rebirth of Chester FC by awarding a five-year lease on the Exacta Stadium to supporters group City Fans United.
Mr Robinson said: “Chester and its fans have rekindled the true spirit of football; in times when people are disillusioned with mega wages and soaring admission prices, the club has given the game back to the people of this city.
“Not only do we want to pay tribute to the achievements of the players and management – but to everyone connected with the club for the way in which they have made it part of the community.
“ I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say Chester FC is now perceived as a true community club… and that is exactly what this authority wants to see.”
