At the moment (late February) the club is on the brink of liquidation after a catalogue of financial crises.
Central to the story is their owner – technically former owner now – Stephen Vaughan who rescued the club from the disastrous ownership of previous incumbent Terry Smith almost a decade ago.
I interviewed American Smith after he appointed himself as Chester manager, a move which ultimately led to relegation from the Football League.
There was total joy amongst most long-suffering Chester fans when Vaughan took over from the hapless Smith.
I knew Vaughan before he took over as Chester boss. He had become involved behind the scenes at Dave Pace’s UniBond outfit Droylsden.
Previously, he was the owner of non-league Barrow when a financial clash with the authorities led to that club being liquidated and thrown out of the Conference.
In interviews Vaughan was as equally unapologetic about his treatment of Barrow as those Bluebirds fans were in their hatred of him.
I found Vaughan a very personable man to deal with. He could not have been more helpful to me. I was one of the first people he called after his shock takeover of Chester. Believe me it was a shock.
He even asked me what I thought of Mark Wright when he was considering appointing the former England defender as manager. I told him Wright’s attitude to people left a lot to be desired. Vaughan appointed him, on three separate occasions as it turned out.
The similarities in what has occurred at Chester and what did unfold at Barrow are frightening.
As a special treat for my readers I will publish several article and interviews I’ve done connected with Chester City Football Club. Coming soon are some Stephen Vaughan features, but first a September 28, 2001, statement from the then out-going chairman Smith.
Terry Smith statement
28 September 2001
by Garry Cook
Outgoing Chester chairman Terry Smith finally did what no Chester fan ever thought he would – apologise.
Smith issued a statement after wrapping up the sale of the club to Stephen Vaughan admitting “The buck stops with me.”
He wished Vaughan success with the club that he guided for two years and said: “At least I have given Chester City Football Club the opportunity to fight another day, and that is better for the supporters than having no club at all.
“I accept the complete blame for this failure but at least I was able to bridge the gap between what would have been definite liquidation and a bright future.
“There will be many memories that I will one day be able to cherish. I thank everyone in Chester whose thoughtful kindness and friendship brought about these fond memories for me.
“I will be waiting everyday for moment that I will be able to sleep soundly and feel good again when I read Steve has led you back into the Football League. I know he will.”
But far from retiring from football, Smith has spent last week trying to launch a bizarre ‘World Football Scouting Bureau.’
Using the Chester City logo to promote the venture, Smith was last week promising young players the chance of professional careers in England, Wales, Scotland, American and Europe by attending ‘Evaluation Camps.’
The camps, due to be held in the Midlands and North-west yesterday and today promised that ‘all players will be measured and evaluated on athletic ability, playing ability, intelligence tests and tactical knowledge.’
One Chester fan contacted the Bureau and got through to Smith, but the American denied any involvement with the project.
Ends.
