Calum McIntyre to leave as Chester boss at the end of the season
The search will begin for a successor to take over from the summer
Calum McIntyre will leave his position as first team manager at Chester at the end of this season.
The 32-year-old, who took the reins at the Deva Stadium in the summer of 2022, has a contract that runs until the end of the current campaign, with a decision taken after discussions between all parties that he will exit the Blues then.
Having led Chester to their first-ever play-off final in May, where they were narrowly beaten after extra time in a dramatic final against Scunthorpe United, this season has been more challenging for the ex-Runcorn Linnets manager, with patchy form leaving the Blues in 12th place and six points off the play-off places.
After the defeat to Bedford Town back at the end of October, the Chester board issued a statement that declared an expectation results would improve or changes would have to be made. Results did improve considerably, but the festive period saw Chester fall back into poor form, and the defeat at Marine on Tuesday evening was their sixth in nine games, a run of form that has led to frustration building among the Blues fan base and criticism directed the way of the manager.
City Fans United chairman Nick Phillipson said in a prepared club statement: “The Board would firstly like to place on record its thanks to Calum and all members of the management team for their efforts during their time at Chester FC.
“All of us - directors, players and staff - recognise that results of late have not been good enough, and we are fully aware that the situation must improve if we are to achieve our target this season.
“We understand some people may question the timing, but the Board has given this full and proper consideration, and we feel that this is the right decision for the club for now and the future.
“Calum’s record speaks for itself in terms of play-off finishes, he retains the full support of the players, and everyone is clear on what is required over the next three months.
“We hope that this clarity about the future allows us all to have one focus until the end of the season – giving absolutely everything to try and make the play-offs and get our club promoted back to the National League.”
Chester face play-off chasing Radcliffe at the Deva this afternoon, managed by former Blues bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.
McIntyre will be at the helm for the remaining 17 games as Chester seek to end the season on a high before their manager, who began his Blues journey on the terraces before becoming head of academy, then first team manager, leaves his post.
The search for a new boss to take over from the summer will begin immediately.
Having "come down" a bit from 5 o'clock I feel it is now unfair by the board to continue with Calum on two counts.
1. Calum looks totally defeated, it is doing him no good getting him to continue.
2. We are sliding towards a relegation scrap. Relegation would be devastating for the club.
I'm torn between letting him finish the season or paying him off with our thanks and gratitude. As a dyed in the wool CFC fan it can't have been easy this season, with his team constantly letting him down as well as the abuse he has/ is receiving. With him staying to the end of the season it is very unlikely we will get in the play offs and it could be much worse. Alternatively taking on a new man now gives that person chance to assess the players in a competitive situation and gives time to plan for next season.