An update from the General Manager

    Chester FC General Manager Albert Davies provides us with an update from the club…

    Hello everyone. The relentless nature of the footballing industry is that a matter of hours after the Promotion Final, we were straight back to it and as busy as ever down at the Deva.

    Firstly, it is worth again recognising the achievements of the First Team across the 2024/25 campaign. Calum, his staff, and the players broke decade old points records, stared adversity in the face and came through it, and won Play-Off games – creating memorable and also historical moments for Chester FC.

    We came so close to achieving our ultimate aim, and the desire to make it happen is stronger than ever throughout your football club.

    BARS AND EVENTS

    A few months ago, we announced that the Bars and Events would be moving in-house for the 2025/26 campaign.

    It was a business decision that we simply had to make. As a supporter-owned club, we MUST make decisions that we feel gives us the best opportunity to continuously grow revenue streams in an increasingly competitive environment.

    After a thorough recruitment process, with more than 40 promising applications, we were pleased to welcome on board our new Bars and Events Manager, Sara!

    Sara’s enthusiasm, drive and knowledge of the trade blew us away at the interview stage and we are really excited by her appointment. She has over a decade of experience in managing pubs, bars and events operations.

    The aim is for her expand our operation beyond matchdays and into full-week trading, she has a strong background in growing community engagement and driving profitability through tailored events and promotions.

    If you have any questions for Sara or you are interested in booking out the Deva as a venue for an event, she is able to be contacted via email at bars@chesterfc.com. Welcome Sara!

    COMMERCIAL

    We’re really pleased to have secured some of our significant sponsors already for 2025/26.

    With MBNA already on board as Principal Sponsors, and Edwards Homes locked in as Harry Mac sponsors; we’ve also recently seen Precision Facades and Metlab Supplies renew their respective South and West Stand sponsorships, Precision also joining Hope + Glory in continuing with kit sponsorship too.

    We have a really loyal, supportive, and wide-ranging number of businesses who partner with us at Chester FC. I’m excited to talk to all over them over the summer, hopefully they can continue their crucial support with us, and equally we hope to welcome some new businesses also!

    We’re also really pleased with how we have grown our revenues in terms of the Deva Stadium site itself. The ability to make record revenues on the facility as a whole have been really important to us, the Deva is now a ‘seven-days-a week-hub’ rather than only used for matchdays. There’s always loads going on in and around the ground, which crucially is generating income which is always linked back to helping us create the strongest squad possible and ultimately we hope it will result in success.

    SEASON TICKETS, BOOST THE BUDGET, CFU MEMBERSHIPS

    Once again, Chester FC supporters have gone above and beyond for their club.

    Today, we surpassed our total number of Season Tickets sold last year, and we still have a week of the Early Bird window left! It not only shows your unwavering commitment, but also that you believe in what Calum, his staff and the team are trying to do and how positively they progressed last year – now hopefully that can continue in 2025/26.

    Equally, our Boost the Budget scheme has once again taken on significant importance. With a stretched target this year of £125,000 we are aiming to raise our biggest ever amount via this project, which will be a huge challenge, but it is a target that reflects the ambition we have to challenge for promotion and deliver the success you deserve.

    With our current total already passing £90,000 we have made a great start, but it is vital that this steady stream continues ahead of our 5th July deadline. No doubt in the coming weeks Calum will have some exciting new faces to welcome and encourage more sign-ups too!

    We’re also really encouraged by the past 12 months and our push to increase, retain and improve CFU Memberships. Last year, our move to Fanbase was driven by a rationale very similar to what I mentioned when we brought the Bars in-house. We HAVE to give ourselves the best possible chance to compete through every possible channel. We have more than 1,300 members who are continuing to have their say on how their club is run as well as making increased and important financial contributions.

    The overriding message is that everyone can play their part. We might not have the financial muscle of some of our competitors, but what we do have is our supporters. That makes a huge difference. With your backing and with your contributions, we will only get stronger.

    We all have a part to play. All of us.

    If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to drop me an email at albert.davies@chesterfc.com. UTS!