Chester FC: City Fans United is at a crossroads. But where do Blues supporters go from here?

City Fans United has accomplished far more than anyone could have hoped for since October 2009 but the supporters’ organisation which owns Chester FC finds itself at a crossroads.

And as a consequence of that, so too does the football club.

It was inevitable this point would come and there’s no blame to be apportioned, but there is a need to take a step back and focus again on what the club stands for, where it aspires to be and how that can be achieved.

To be successful on the pitch, Chester as a supporter-owned club must have a strong CFU, in terms of both size and voice, but the dwindling membership means at present it has neither.

Under the management of Steve Burr , the Blues have consolidated their position in the National League, which is a notable accomplishment. There’s no shame whatsoever in being viewed a mid-table club in a division where many clubs live above their means, but Chester should not be afraid of wanting more.

The question for everyone connected with the Blues now is what can be done to move to the next level and challenge for a return to the Football League, without gambling on its existence or losing sight of Chester’s ethos: to be a financially sustainable community-focused football club playing at the highest level possible in the English pyramid.

Later this month CFU will hold its AGM for 2015 and elections with four places on the board to be filled, and space for more to be co-opted.

As someone fortunate enough to have been in that position, these are the themes those successful should give consideration to:

Growing revenues...

Chester supporters have been through the ringer more times than most owing to the financial failings of others and the principles of sustainability should be sacrosanct. The challenge facing the Blues is to grow off-field revenues to boost the playing budget. The club can do this through becoming better at selling itself and continuing to investigate improving and developing new facilities.

Community work...

This is an area in which the club has made good progress but there’s scope to do so much more. It’s essential to reach out and embrace those potential supporters of the future via schools’ initiatives and coaching. This is happening but more resources and manpower would enable the community trust to make a real difference and impact, bringing in new fans.

Communication...

Perhaps the biggest criticism levelled at the club has been the lack of communication and action has been taken to address that. However, there’s still room for improvement. Put the CFU back at the centre of the club and become more transparent with the fan base.

Don’t be afraid of being honest, we’re in this together.