THE board of Chester City’s Supporters Trust have given a measured response to the news that the Coca-Cola League Two outfit had made enquiries to the Football Association about changing the club’s name.
It was revealed last week that among a number of marketing initiatives being considered by City’s directors, was to possibly broaden the club’s appeal by changing its name, Chester-Halton was one title floated.
The fans group yesterday issued the following statement: “The Trust has gauged the reaction of City fans to the news of a planned name change at the football club. It has found opinion to be very sceptical and whilst we remain opposed to the plan; we can perhaps see the vein in which the chairman made his comments.
“The restrictive nature of the Deva Stadium lease is not conducive to expanding revenue streams, and it will be a skilled negotiator who brokers a re-negotiation of the whole matter to the mutual benefit of the football club, City council, and the guarantor AWG Shelf 11. Whilst acknowledging and sharing the concerns of some of the fan base, what we urge is positive, level-headed and rational dialogue, we ask that the other supporters groups join us and help drive the club forward where we can, we don’t advocate knee-jerk reactions from anyone.”
Meanwhile, Chester have been eliminated from the FA Youth Alliance Cup, losing 2-0 in the quarter-final tie at Grimsby Town.
