The Exiles join the Magnificent Seven
There've been more ups than downs following Chester in recent years, but I never thought I'd be standing in a leafy ground on the edge of a Gloucestershire hillside when it felt like it was all coming to an end.
The match at Forest Green Rovers had been one of my most eagerly-awaited fixtures, but as I drove into nearby Stroud less than three hours before kick-off I learned I wouldn't be seeing Chester make their debut at the New Lawn.
I can't say I was surprised and I'm amazed the players, and the team's supporting staff, have kept going as long as they have. It's all credit to them - they deserve far better.
Still, I wasn't going to waste my trip into Gloucestershire and met two fellow City fans - one had travelled from Hertfordshire and the other from Surrey. We had much to talk about, but wanted to share our woes with fellow footie fans, so we headed to the ground.
On arrival, we had a selfish bit of business to do. We swiftly purchased enough programmes to satisfy the expected pleas (all now spoken for - sorry!), and found ourselves in a queue of others buying handfuls of programmes. It looks like they will be a sad memento.
Then off to the club's impressive bar. It's about the size of a five-a-side pitch, with four dartboards, two TVs and a skittle alley. It's next to a smart reception and impressive-looking gym. It smacked of total professionalism and we couldn't be blamed for feeling a tinge of jealousy.
Once we got into the bar, it all came home to me, as the Forest Green Rovers fans came over to give us their sympathies. Everyone started with the same phrase: "It's the end, isn't it?....." Frankly, it was hard to argue with them.
We were soon joined by four other City fans, so we became the "Magnificent Seven" Chester fans. Four of those seven didn't realise the game was off until they'd reached the ground - the most intrepid had even cycled from Cheltenham.
We all had heavy hearts as we talked to the Forest Green fans, but their genuine support for our situation was comforting. It's on days like Tuesday that you realise there is a real football community out there and we all just want to support our team.
Sadly the Magnificent Seven didn't get to cheer on their team on Tuesday, but we have to live in hope that we will get the opportunity again. I don't think we'll be at Forest Green for many years - but let's hope we will meet again.
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It'll be a very sad day (and I'm a Millwall fan). It could happen to any of us and probably will to a few more yet. Ultimately, although it's of no use, I blame the Premier League and the Football League for letting that Frankenstein come to life.
I just hope that you'll continue in some form at some level because, playing football-that's all that matters in the end.
Hi,
I am a member of myfootballclub.co.uk; we received an e-mail from the supporters club (Paul?) with regard to your wish to boycott games. I can't speak for Ebbsfleet United or MyFC in general, but there was a lot of support for your stance, and many of our members did cancel plans to go to our recent match at your place. The frustration for us is that we all (OK, maybe not Luton, Oxford and Wimbledon) are in this together, whatever our rivalries. The loss of Setanta hit hard, and owners are often inclined to assume far too much. One injured player can lead to a poor run of results, lower gates and suddenly, the budget is worthless. MyFC, in some ways, is an antidote to this as we bought EUFC and have control over much of it. We have certainly got things wrong, but our ability to react is a safeguard and, if we can get through this season, we should be able to build happily and safely. We probably won't match your aspirations as we don't have your fan base. But that's not really the point, is it?
All the best of luck in your plight. It may come to late for you (and us as well) that finally, there appears to be some will to legislate against the outrageous behaviour of some owners who fail to understand they are only custodians. Leeds should have told us the bleedin' obvious; what will it take? Liverpool? Man U? Hopefully, the club will collapse and you (the real owners of the spirit of CC) will be able to rebuild. If you do, I'll come to your first game!