Blues fans know better than most what it takes to traverse though difficult times.

Chester FC undoubtedly face their biggest challenge since being reformed three-and-a-half years ago.

For the club’s newest supporters, losing matches and off-field distractions are new experiences.

But those who pre-date 2010 have encountered – and overcome – far greater challenges.

Rumours over the future of the manager, the possible return of a former manager, the financial health of the club and boardroom rifts are unwelcome, especially with the Blues struggling badly on the pitch.

Putting the speculation to one side, the facts do not appear particularly rosy:

Manager Neil Young is out of contract in May and does not know what his future holds. Talks over a new deal seem to have stalled and his long-term future looks unclear.

Former Chester City manager Jim Harvey has offered to help the club create a new development side to complement the existing youth teams and his offer remains on the table.

Club director Mark Howell, who headed up the youth and junior section, has quit the board over a ‘breakdown in communication’.

Those are the facts and the feel-good factor that enveloped the club over the last three seasons has subsided.

Chairman Tony Durkin and vice-chairman Steve Ashton maintain that Young retains the ‘unequivocal support’ of the board and urged fans to get behind the manager.

The board also reiterated that the proposal from Harvey would not interfere with the first team and have agreed to review with Young whether or not to proceed with his offer.

Despite this, the rumours persist and the prospect of Harvey returning to the club in any capacity coupled with the lack of progress on a new contract for Young do not sit well together.

Durkin told TheChronicle contract talks were ‘ongoing’ and that the club was continuing to review the offer from Harvey.

On the resignation of Howell, the chairman said: “I would like to thank Mark for all his hard work for the club at board level over the past 12 months.

“I would also like to thank him for his and his coaching team’s fantastic work with the youth set-up and long may it continue.”

Passions inevitably run higher at fan-owned football clubs but this is not the time for rash decisions.

The club has been on a remarkable journey and has strayed off course but it is important to remember everyone wants to reach the same destination.