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| Hereford at Chester during the 2023/24 season |
Club bosses at Chester have said they understand why fans feel like the club has gone backwards after the side failed to secure a top-seven finish.
A goalless draw on the last day of the season against Darlington saw fan-owned Chester finish 10th, one place above Hereford on goal difference.
In a lengthy statement to rally fans, the board of City Fans United, which owns the club, thanked supporters for their commitment over the past season which has seen crowds at the Deva average 2,183 - the fourth best in National League North.
But they admitted the goal was to secure a top-seven finish and another opportunity at promotion through the play-offs, but performances and results, particularly since the turn of the year, have been below the level needed to achieve this.
"Everyone has worked tirelessly to recapture the form of the first half of the season, which saw us sitting in the top three and reach the FA Cup first round proper (vs York City) for the first time since 2013, but we have fallen short of our target.
"We understand your disappointment, and that this feels like a backward step, but we are confident the lessons learned, and barriers encountered, will ensure we are better equipped for 2024/25."
The statement added that everyone remains committed to the goal of promotion and making the club ‘National League ready’ on and off the field, so that when it is achieved, we will be able to consolidate and then progress again.
The board also admitted that would be challenging to do so sustainably, not wanting to wrack up debt by boosting the playing budget to be more competitive.
They said the door would be open to investment.
"It goes without saying that as Chester fans, we have experienced the very worst of private ownership, and collectively we have built a club that we should be proud of, but this does not mean the door is closed," the board said.
"If a serious and credible offer is received, the board will bring this to the members for discussion and a vote. But until then, we plan to work tirelessly to push our club forwards, meeting challenges head on and making the most of our strengths, including you, the fans.
"The board is continually striving to grow the playing budget, but this must be done sustainably to ensure we remain a debt-free club. While we may not be able to match what other clubs can spend, often running up huge losses, we strongly believe this shouldn’t temper our ambitions, but strengthen our resolve to fulfil them.
"For Chester to get back to the National League, we must be a club that punches above its weight, one built on hard work, resilience and togetherness. These are values shared by our manager and Calum’s determination to bring success to the club is unmatched."
The statement finished by saying work is already underway for the 2024/25 season and praised fans again - urging them to carry on supporting the club financially.