CAL GETS CALL FROM BLUES
NEW Chester boss Callum McIntyre has urged supporters to get behind him as he bids to propel the Blues out of National League North.
Aged just 28, he replaces former Gateshead and York City manager Steve Watson, who left by mutual consent after six months at the Deva.
McIntyre is now the youngest manager in the top six tiers of English football, but already boasts considerable experience, having led Runcorn Linnets to the Northern Premier League play-off final this term.
He has also spent a lengthy period in charge of Chester’s academy.
McIntyre, who has had a past Blues caretaker spell, wants everybody to make the leap with him.
Vital
“I will need every single person, and that includes the fanbase” he told the Seals Podcast following his appointment.
“Their support is recognised by the players, I know that. It is vital.
“We have got to give that vocal supporter base something to get behind, something that makes the Deva a difficult place to come – the way previous managers have.
“We’ve then got to ensure we give them something worth travelling for on the road. But we need everyone.
“Without them, we will achieve nothing. I’m clear that everyone has to come together, but it doesn’t mean everyone’s got to agree.
“Everyone needs to get behind what the club, the team and what I – and those around me – are going to attempt to do.”
McIntyre has already started building for next season, handing new contracts to Kev Roberts, Darren Stephenson and Declan Weeks.
Togetherness
He has also signed 28-year-old winger Adam Thomas – a National North promotion winner with Stockport County in 2018-19 – from Curzon Ashton.
“We’ll start by recruiting the best possible football team we can within our recruitment strategy,” added the new Blues boss.
“Then we will develop a togetherness in the dressing room, for what is going to be a really competitive campaign at this level of football.
“We will put an identity in and be really clear about what we want to be. It won’t always be perfect, there will be bumps along the way, but we will develop that identity.”