Chester FC: Title-winning Blues to be celebrated in House of Commons

CHESTER FC’s second successive championship victory is to be acknowledged in Parliament.

John McDonnell MP has tabled a motion in the House of Commons to congratulate the Blues on winning back-to-back Evo-Stik Northern Premier League titles.

Mr McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington and the honorary vice-president of Hayes & Yeading United FC, told the Chronicle: “Chester City were a sorry sight when I witnessed one of their last games – a drab goalless draw at our club, Hayes & Yeading United, the result of which was expunged anyway.

“The new Chester FC, in complete contrast, reflects the pride, passion and solidarity of its loyal supporters and local community. I wish them continued success.”

Other MPs are expected to sign the motion, including former secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham, who said he will be ‘more than happy’ to add his name to the tribute.

The Early Day Motion was the idea of Blues supporter Richard Hanford.

Richard, one of the founder members of the Chester Exiles supporters group, works in Westminster for an independent parliamentary consultancy.

He made a 450-mile round trip from Sussex with his son Robin last Saturday to watch the Blues lift the Premier Division trophy.

Richard said: “It was my initiative to help raise the profile – and recognise the success – of the club and supporter ownership. John McDonnell was keen to help, so he tabled the motion.”

Early Day Motions are submitted by MPs for debate in the Commons. They actually rarely reach the debate stage but are used by MPs to draw attention to a particular event or cause.

The Chester FC motion reads: “That this House congratulates Chester Football Club on winning the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League title; acknowledges their remarkable achievement in scoring over 100 goals and amassing 100 points to win a second successive championship since this phoenix club, from the ashes of Chester City FC, was formed by City Fans United two years ago; and commends the community club as an excellent model of supporter ownership.”