CHESTER Jets fans are rallying round to help secure the club's future but team manager Andy Green says there is a long way to go before basketball in Chester can be guaranteed for next season.
A fans' meeting at the Northgate Arms pub in Chester on Sunday bred optimism among the Jets faithful. A group of volunteers came forward to take responsibility for the work needed to get the club in shape for the 2007-08 BBL Championship season.
The group will meet this weekend and there is also a company preparing to meet Jets officials to discuss sponsorship which, if a deal is done, will relieve part of the £75,000 budget Chester require to compete next year.
The recent departure of Mike Burton - club director, head coach and 'Mr Chester Jets' for 19 years - may have been expected, but it has still caused major headaches for the Jets as they struggle to find their feet without him.
Team manager and committee member Green said: 'It is very early days. There is still no guarantee we will be able to compete next season. 'The BBL are keen for an answer by the end of the month, but there is a lot of work to do between now and then.
'We are still looking for more businesses to come forward to offer sponsorship and we are still looking for people to sign up for season tickets.
'Remember, we will not take any season ticket money until our future is assured, no matter how long it takes.
'There is a sense of optimism around the club now but we can't let it become complacency. Our work is nowhere near done.
'As well as the official work to ensure the team survives, there are also vacancies for people to help out on match days with team preparation.
'We have a lot of hard graft ahead, but everyone left Sunday's meeting with a real sense that we can do it and that our plan for doing it is a good one.'
There will be a quiz night on Sunday, May 13, from 5pm at the Northgate Arms to raise money for the club. This will be followed by an update meeting, where fans can learn what progress has been made in the quest to save the Jets.
