Chester axe manager after home win leaves them three points off play-offs

Chester and Hereford at Sixways on Tuesday

Chester have parted company with manager Calum McIntyre with immediate effect — just days after their 5-2 defeat to Hereford.

The Blues confirmed on Saturday evening that McIntyre has left his position, despite it having previously been announced he would step down at the end of the season.

A club statement said all parties believe it is now “in the best interests of the football club to part company with immediate effect”.

The decision comes in the same week Chester were beaten heavily by the Bulls at Sixways, a result McIntyre himself described as “appalling” and “absolutely criminal” in his post-match assessment.

However, the Blues responded on Saturday with a 2-1 home victory over Spennymoor Town — a result that leaves them 10th in the National League North table, leaving them now just three points off the play-off places.

McIntyre was appointed permanent manager in May 2022 and took charge of the first team on more than 200 occasions. During his tenure, he guided Chester to two play-off campaigns, including last season’s National League North Promotion Final.

He was named Manager of the Season in 2022/23 and also led the club to the First Round Proper of the FA Cup twice.

Saturday’s announcement brings an end to a 14-year association with Chester, having first joined the club as an academy coach in 2012.

In a statement, the club placed on record its “sincere thanks” to McIntyre for his contribution and wished him well for the future.

The process of appointing a new first-team manager is now underway, with Chester saying an update on interim arrangements will follow in due course.