Careful Blues weigh up odds

FAN-OWNED Chester are weighing up whether or not to take a punt on the National League North play-offs.

The Blues lay in seventh – the final play-off spot – when the curtain came down early in March, but climbed one place in the points-per-game table that was ultimately used to decide final placings.

It means the team managed jointly by Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley are entitled to a play-off berth if, as seems likely, they now go ahead at Step 2.

However, Chester are considHowever, ering the financial ramifications of throwing their hat into the ring.

After a National League meeting with the play-off teams on Friday afternoon, Blues chairman Andy Morris said: “We have a bit more information on testing and what we would need to do to be part of the play-offs now. We know what our costs are going to be to some extent.

“There is a desire to take part, but that is secondary to ensuring the club is sustainable in the long-term. We need to weigh up the costs and decide as a board. I don’t think it will be over the weekend, it’s going to be next week.”

If BT Sport were to screen the play-off games, it could help cover some of Chester’s costs, but Morris said: “I don’t think it’s a game-changer, but every penny counts.”

One major plus for the Blues has come in the form of their ‘Boost the Budget’ campaign with more than half their £100,000 target raised in the opening week.

Morris made it clear that wouldn’t be used for a playoff tilt. “We have ring-fenced that money for 2020-21,” he added. “It’s a fantastic boost for us.”

If Chester do decide to enter the play-offs, they would be due to visit Altrincham – who have indicated they wish to take part – next month.

York, Boston and Brackley have expressed their eagerness to compete, while Gateshead have been quiet on their plans.

In the South, it appears all the play-off contenders are likely to participate.