What a difference a few weeks make.

Following the sacking of Steve Burr at the start of April, with just four matches left to play, questions were raised over whether it was the right time to be making such a decision, especially with no new external appointment waiting in the wings. A poll on the Chronicle's website asked the question at the time and fans were split down the middle.

Subsequently, Blues supporters gave a somewhat lukewarm reception to the new setup of Jon McCarthy, who had been Burr's assistant throughout a disappointing campaign up to that point, and former club captain Ian Sharps, who had lost his place in the starting line-up through some sub-par performances.

Looking at the table, with Chester having picked up one win from 10 - the astonishing 8-2 victory over Aldershot Town - expectations were that if the Blues were to fend off the threat of relegation, it would be a low-key battle and they would just scrape enough points to decide.

Except, of course, those expectations were surpassed. Magnificently so.

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After Macca's first game in charge - a 2-1 loss that was legitimately unlucky due to all the star players being crocked - it was seen that one win would be enough to secure safety.

As it was, the Blues played with more conviction, more confidence, and grabbed an easy 4-0 triumph over doomed Welling United.

The acid test, however, was Grimsby Town, and a superb 2-1 away win against a side who still had something to fight for was one of the highlights of the season.

It proved vital in making sure fans could enjoy the last day of the season. Had Chester lost against Grimsby, the way the games played out on the final day of the season, the Blues would've (briefly) been in the drop zone as Boreham Wood, Guiseley and Halifax were all winning with the Blues behind at Gateshead.

Kane Richards and Ross Hannah celebrate on Saturday
Kane Richards and Ross Hannah celebrate on Saturday

Fortunately, this wasn't going to be another final-day heartache like it was in 2000 or 2014. And with the pressure off, Chester put in another excellent second-half display to romp home with a 4-2 victory.

What has been the most pleasing aspect of these victories, aside from securing safety in style, is the way the matches were won. Too often, particularly when the Blues were out of form, the players had looked lost, the passing was horrendously disjointed and possession was given away so cheaply it was like it was on a Boxing Day sale.

In those three matches, there has been a renewed fight. Even in the first half against Gateshead, while there were very few shots on goal, there was plenty of good possession and one-two moves which worked. The play has been tighter, with much more link-up play, and the midfield looks more organised, especially going forward.

James Alabi in action for Chester FC during the 4-2 win over Gateshead
James Alabi in action for Chester FC during the 4-2 win over Gateshead

And some of the players have looked new men, or in some cases have recaptured the good form they had of old. John Rooney has gone from potentially dispensable to a must-keep for next season with incisive attacking play (although his penalties still need a bit of work). Kane Richards has gone from squad outcast to a first-team regular as being paired with James Alabi for a front two benefited them both. Craig Mahon looked a completely different player to the one who gave a desperately disappointing display at Wrexham, with his second-half stint against Gateshead being the best I've seen of him all season.

READ: Chester FC 4 Gateshead 2 - Dave Powell's verdict

It has been an up-and-down year for Chester fans, with highlights such as the 8-2 win, the 3-2 home victory against arch-rivals Wrexham standing out among a largely underwhelming set of results, particularly in a barren second half of the season. However, the last three games have ensured Blues fans can go to the summer with a smile on their face and renewed optimism for the season ahead. It should be pointed out Chester have actually scored more and conceded fewer goals this last season than the one before, when they finished 12th.

And whomever it is the board ultimately appoint as the next permanent Blues manager for next season's National League campaign, Macca has given a superb audition and realistically couldn't have done any more.