A fan's view by LES SMITH, of the Chester City Independent Supporters Association.
CONFERENCE- a league of clubs or teams, sport USA & Canada (Collins Dictionary). IT WAS perverse that an American who promised success would take us to the Nationwide Conference.
Worse followed a year later as the team, such as it was, fell to the foot of the Conference with the majority of supporters boycotting the Deva.
When Stephen Vaughan suddenly took over the football and financial wreckage that was Chester City, certain aspects of his past hit the headlines, creating mixed emotions among those demoralised fans. 'CONFERENCE - a meeting for consultation or discussion' (Collins).
The new owner quickly had meetings with ISA committee members and other supporters.
Two weeks after taking over, he faced concerned fans at an ISA meeting. He listed suggestions he had taken on board, including the symbolic return to blue and white stripes.
Gordon Hill had gone, while stewards and Barrie Hipkiss had been reinstated. Not a bad start. Stephen also elaborated on his history. We had a straight talker, and a doer who said that he wasn't on an ego trip and wasn't going to mess around. Two and a half years later he still isn't and he hasn't.
New people were brought in until the Deva infrastructure matched his ambition. The Stadium was refurbished and developments are ongoing. The massive inherited debts have been dealt with. The pitch is immaculate once again.
But. importantly to all fans, the team began its gradual but unstoppable climb from the bottom of the Conference following Mark Wright's appointment.
After the play-off disappointment, the refusal to be beaten this season has been apparent, especially against Shrewsbury and Scarborough when injuries and absences mounted up. Players who would have walked into most Conference sides have been patient till their chance came, underlining a spirit that starts in the boardroom and percolates though the club.
Championship euphoria doesn't wipe out the years of dismay and despair, but it helps.
Thanks Steve for making it possible. For always being prepared to meet the fans. For making supporting Chester City a pleasurable, if nerve-shredding, experience again.
It may be wishful thinking, but what could Chester achieve if just half of those extra fans who packed the Deva against Scarborough came regularly? 'THE CONFERENCE - a grey hole on the fringes of Nationwide Football space that can be climbed into or escaped from with difficulty; falling in should be avoided at all costs.'
