Chester FC are giving fans the chance to boost boss Neil Young’s budget for next season by contributing to their ‘Squad Builder’ fundraising scheme.
‘Squad Builder’ has been set up to give supporters an easy way of aiding the club in the future acquisition, coaching and developing of players.
It was originally proposed in November after the old Blues board sanctioned a four-figure move for fans’ favourite Ben Mills – not long after agreeing to spend a similar transfer fee on Tony Gray.
Yet the scheme, which has already received more than £2,000 in donations, was given its formal launch at last Wednesday’s City Fans United meeting.
Supporters are now able to donate through standing order, bank transfer cheque or in person at the Exacta Stadium.
Fans who contribute will be invited to attend regular update sessions with manager Young and his team in order to see how their money is helping the club on the pitch.
Young said: “Our (current) budget is within what we were given at the start of the season. The only addition to our budget is Ben Mills, a deal which was passed by the board as they saw it as an investment for the football club.
“It was going to be funded by the ‘Squad Builder’, which I know has been re-energised. That was key to the Ben Mills deal and the cost of putting it together.
“Football is not cheap at any level but the higher you go, the higher the cost becomes.”
Should they win promotion this season, part-time Chester are likely to have one of the smaller budgets in the Blue Square Bet Premier.
The Blues board hope ‘Squad Builder’ will help Young achieve the club’s stated aim of consolidation.
Young said: “What everybody at the club has achieved so far has been unbelievable.
“I do think a few people take it for granted, but to achieve two promotions has not been easy. People who say we have been playing in pub leagues or this league or that league could not be more wrong.
“There needs to be a realisation of where we are now.
“To put it into perspective, if we go up our budget would be one of the lowest in the league.”
For more information on ‘Squad Builder’ call the club on 01244 371 376, email info@chesterfc.com or visit www.chesterfc.com
Discussions are ongoing over the amount of tickets Chester FC will receive for their all-ticket clash at Colwyn Bay on March 30, which will kick-off at 1pm on police advice.
