Chester City historian CHAS SUMNER, who has recorded the fortunes of the club in three books, recalls the highs and lows of Conference life...

I'M ABSOLUTELY delighted with Chester's return to their rightful place in the Football League.

It will be great to go back to watching the Blues playing on a larger stage.

Certainly, if they play like they have this season there will be nothing to fear. Last year's promoted teams Yeovil Town and Doncaster Rovers have shown that Conference sides can compete in Division Three and there's no reason why City shouldn't be able to make an impression next season. That being said there are a number of things I will miss about the Conference.

I always found the fans far friendlier at this level and it has been great going into social clubs at places like Forest Green, Farnborough and Stevenage where the locals have been positively welcoming.

Chester's support at away games has been terrific in the last couple of seasons and seeing the fans outnumber home supporters at places like Leigh and Northwich has been great fun.

I know many of the non-league grounds have not been to everyone's taste, but I enjoyed the quirkiness of Leigh RMI and Gravesend & Northfleet, although I will be perfectly happy never to have to return to Dagenham & Redbridge again. I've been very impressed with the national coverage of football at Conference level. Chester have appeared live on Sky Sports on numerous occasions and seeing them regularly headlining on the cover of a national newspaper, the Non-League Paper, has been a novel experience.

The Football League has a lot to learn from the Conference when it comes to arranging fixtures. Over the last few seasons it has been possible to see most Chester games because local fixtures are invariably scheduled in midweek or over the holiday period, but that will change next season.

On the down side a good run in the FA Trophy is a major hindrance and what should be a major non-league competition is downgraded because of the fixture congestion it entails. Bring on Division Three. Chas Sumner lives in Kelsall and is author of On The Borderline, The Official History of Chester City FC 1885-1997, Chester City Official Review of the Season 1998-99 and Chester City Football Club, all available from local bookshops.

Prodigal Tony's medal magic

FOR Tony Allan, being the secretary of Chester City is a labour of love.

They were separated for a while, but he is now back where he has always felt he belonged after overseeing the administrative affairs during the exile in Macclesfield and the return to the city and the Deva Stadium.

'This is a club I have always had a great affection for and promotion back to the Football League is a fantastic experience,' he said.

Of all the clubs I have been with I haven't felt for them the way I do for Chester City and I want to stay here. The chairman is very competitive and ambitious and if he says we can get into the first division I wouldn't argue with him.'

Allan, who has been secretary at Wigan Athletic and Port Vale and assistant secretary at Notts County, returned to the Deva 18 months ago. But even when he was out of football doing a psychology degree, he never lost touch.

'I came back for that game against Peterborough when we went down to the Conference and it was an extremely sad day, but promotion this time eclipsed all that,' he added.

'It is in the Conference rules that the secretary receives the same medal as the players and I felt very proud wearing it after the game against Scarborough.

'I never actually envisaged coming back, but I was asked to help out when the previous secretary left. I had intended staying for only a short time, but ended up taking the job permanently.

'I have always said I am very proud to be secretary of Chester City and I have no intentions of leaving again. This club is in extremely good shape.'