Chester clarify Calum McIntyre position after Marine defeat increases pressure
The 10-man Blues were beaten 2-1 on Tuesday in the National League North
Chester boss Calum McIntyre retains the backing of both the board and his squad following the 2-1 defeat at Marine on Tuesday.
The Blues fell to their sixth defeat in nine games at the Marine Travel Arena as Lewis Bell hit an 89th-minute winner for the home side after Connor Woods had levelled from the spot on 63 minutes following James Potter’s opener on the hour mark.
Chester looked to have been closing in on what would have been a creditable point given the circumstances, having been forced to play with 10 men for 75 minutes after Kevin Roberts, back in the side after a hamstring injury, was shown a red card for a fracas with Marine goalkeeper, Jack McIntyre.
But football is a results business, and what has gone before in recent weeks, not least the dismal 3-0 loss at Peterborough Sports at the weekend, has seen fan sentiment challenged, with McIntyre having come in for some fierce criticism in the wake of the weekend loss, something that last night’s reverse will not have aided.
Chester sit 12th in the National League North, six points off the play-off places but with teams around them having games in hand. For a team that reached the play-off final last year, this season has been a bitter disappointment for fans.
The Blues have 17 games remaining. Given recent form, talk of the play-offs may seem ambitious, with Chester needing to string a run of results together quickly to have any real chance.
McIntyre’s role as manager has been called into question in some quarters, with the club having laid out its stance.
Speaking to The Seal, vice-chairman Jim Green said: “It’s clear that we are in an extremely difficult moment. We recognise our league position is disappointing, and results and performances, particularly since late December, have not been good enough.
“None of us - Calum, the staff, the players, the Board, or our supporters - are where we want to be, and everyone knows the situation has to improve urgently.
“We’ve generally been a football club that values stability, where we work together to find ways to overcome challenges, but that doesn’t mean we’re ignorant to them, nor prepared to act when required.
“In recent weeks, we’ve had honest and difficult conversations with Calum about the team’s form, where we need to improve, and the future. Calum’s record since he was appointed stands up for itself and he’s given us some great moments as supporters in that time, but football has a short memory, and everyone is clear on what is needed now and beyond this season.
“There are 17 games to go and 51 points to play for, and we’re certainly not giving up on anything. Our target was to make the play-offs and that hasn’t changed, but we’ve given ourselves a mountain to climb, however while it’s still a possibility, we have to battle for every point.
“The Board has supported Calum, the staff, and the players as much as we can, which includes improving the squad. The players have been clear in their support and belief in the manager too, and their determination to make things right. There were encouraging signs on Tuesday night that the new signings will help the team, but ultimately it was another game where we’ve come away with nothing and there’s been too many of those.
“During this season, we’ve had to face more adversity than in the previous three under Calum, but that’s part and parcel of football, so please don’t mistake this for an excuse. There are factors that have contributed to the position we find ourselves in, however we have to handle those moments better.
“Collectively, the Board always tries to act in the best interests of the football club, and we have to make a lot of tough, complex decisions.
“At times those decisions, or the course of action we take, won’t be universally accepted, but we carefully consider every facet and evaluate every option.
“We do listen, we hear the frustration and disappointment, and we never take the support of our fans for granted. Everyone is working incredibly hard to turn this situation around and this group of players need our backing more than ever.”
McIntyre, whose deal comes to an end following this season, will be given an opportunity to make things right, but there is an acknowledgement that results cannot be allowed to continue in the current vein indefinitely, with this weekend’s clash at home to Radcliffe important to see Chester provide a positive response from Tuesday.
Chester will take on a Radcliffe side who are chasing the play-offs and managed by ex-Blues bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, with former players George Glendon, Anthony Dudley and Brad Jackson all in their squad.
McIntyre made major changes to the team for the trip to Marine, with Michael Kelly, Phil Croker and Bobby Jones all making their debuts. They are likely to feature again on Saturday.
The frustration is that it has taken 1/2 a season to replace goalkeeper who was out of his depth. Also to not replace unwanted players but keep players who past their sell buy date. Management out of their depth at this level sadly. 🙃
Is this really in the best interests of Chester FC personally I dont think so . We have gone from 3 points off the playoffs to 6 points with a lot less games . It's going to take a miracle of biblical proportions to resurrect this season . One last chance Saturday win and win well otherwise the increasingly restless fanbase will turn even more toxic. We definitely need at least one of the two reported forward signings in the building for Saturday otherwise I loose all hope .