CHESTER FC are looking to boost their profile in business and sporting circles after making a key appointment to their off-the-field team.
Dave Riche has taken over as marketing and business development consultant on the back of the club’s third successive title triumph.
The Blues will be competing against the biggest and most established non-league clubs in the country next season after winning promotion to the Conference Premier.
And the club believe one of the key requirements to further success is to evolve and optimise their business practices.
Riche’s role is to maximise existing and open up new revenue streams, including overseeing the hospitality and functions at the Exacta Stadium along with further developing the commercial arm of the football business.
Riche joins on a consultancy basis and has football specific experience with clubs across the length of the country, most recently with League Two outfit Fleetwood Town.
Riche said: “I am looking forward to the new challenge that the role at Chester presents, this club is looking to kick on in terms of marketing and commercial activity and I will be responsible for that.
“I’ve seen the fantastic rise of the club over the last three years, which is down to the efforts of the supporters in getting Chester back on the map once again along with the management team and players who have done it on the pitch.
“Looking around there are some huge businesses around the region who are not involved and it is down to me to put plans in place with attention to detail and change that.
“I’ve been with the club for a couple of weeks and already we are making big strides into the community and setting up meetings with key decision makers.
“The board know there are a lot of changes that need to be made to take us forward and the key is to enhance value and take this club to the next level once more.”
Steve Ashton, Chester’s vice-chairman, said: “Dave’s proactive approach and experience in the football sector has impressed the board, he has made some very good early progress.
“The key to growth is evolving the club and ensuring we have a structure that optimises the finite non-voluntary resources we have.
“Having someone specifically focused on marketing the club, and therefore revenue generation, will further help in the club’s growth as we enter a national league for the first time since the rebirth.”
You can contract Riche on 01244 371376 or 07837 197701 or email dave.riche@chesterfc.com.
