Chester hit by off field issues
CHESTER’S preparation for the clash with Southport has been dominated by off-field issues amid accusations of tapping up and the new General Manager leaving on his first day in the role.
The Blues visit the Merseyrail Community Stadium on Saturday for the final qualifying round of the FA Trophy and will welcome a return to focusing on football.
Chester were first embroiled in controversy when AFC Telford accused the club of tapping up winger Adam Dawson ahead of his move to the Deva Stadium.
Dawson spent six months at Southport last season before moving to the Bucks Head and joined the Blues on Tuesday, November 13. But Telford say Chester began negotiations with the winger before they were informed of any approach and have now reported the incident to both the FA and the National League.
Chester have denied any wrongdoing and Dawson, who is now at his 15th club at the age of 26, started the 1-0 away defeat to Leamington on Saturday.
Further issues were revealed when new General Manager Steven Jones left the club after just one day after the club learned new information about his history.
Jones joined the club on Monday, after his appointment was announced at a fans forum last week, but the club released a statement on Tuesday announcing his departure.
Chester parted company with him with immediate effect after they were made aware of historical issues with his employment history, relating to the mortgage industry.
A spokesman said: “As part of the recruitment process significant checks and due diligence were completed based on the information provided upon application.
“The issues however only came to light following his commencement in post and the club has acted swiftly once they came out to resolve these matters.”
Under joint managers Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson, Chester have started the season strongly and sit sixth in the National League North but have won just one of their last five fixtures.
The duo are hoping to make new signings ahead of the Southport clash, with a full-back, midfielder and striker all being targeted.