Ahead of the National League North kicking off on Saturday, a directive was communicated from the FA in relation to an independent health and safety review.
The review was related to the tragic death of Chichester City striker Billy Vigar, 21, in September of last year when he collided with a concrete barrier while attempting to keep a ball in play during a match at Wingate & Finchley.
Vigar suffered a fatal brain injury that sent shockwaves through English football and prompted an FA commissioned safety review ahead of the 2026/27 season around the issue of having solid brick, breeze-block or concrete walls around football stadia. The findings were pretty blunt in that it was concluded solid barriers “no longer permit safe play” and that they must either be removed or have padding placed in front of them to be compliant.
Across the National League System, steps one to six, clubs have been informed that they must remove all solid brick, breeze-block or concrete walls, and if removal is impossible due to structural issues, then they must be fully padded. This action is required to be taken “as soon as reasonably practical.”
This news was not a shock to Chester chiefs. The Deva Community Stadium has four solid concrete walls in front of each stand, and there will be a need for change to be made in some way. Quite how far that change goes is yet to be determined, as is just who will be footing the bill for what will be pretty seismic changes across the Non-League pyramid.
The Seal understands that both the East and West Stands at the Deva won’t require the walls to be taken down, although there will be padding required, but what happens to the wall behind the South Stand and the Harry McNally Terrace will be a focus of much dialogue between the clubs and relevant bodies.
Padding may well be enough, but more could be required to ensure compliance.
The club are expected to officially communicate with fans over the issue in the coming days, but general manager Albert Davies spoke on the issue to The Seal following the Chorley win on Saturday.
“This will impact most clubs,” said Davies.
“This was part of a wider review and we have been in consultation with the relevant bodies after the review was undertaken following the tragic death of Billy Vigar.
“We have been in dialogue. We know that there are things which we will have to do. People would have seen the initial announcement at the back end of this week, and this coming week we should be in a position to say something more specifically about Chester Football Club’s own circumstances.”
Alterations to the surroundings of the pitch aren’t the only thing that could be changing soon at the Deva after it emerged Flintshire County Council had granted planning permission to Pick Padel Limited for a padel and pickleball facility to be built on part of the car park at the football club.
Plans submitted outline a new leisure development featuring four padel courts, an additional singles court and three pickleball courts. The scheme also includes a reception area, changing facilities, café and parking, with the supporting hub set to be built from repurposed shipping containers. There will also be parking for 37 cars.
The plans were initially submitted back in November of last year but received approval at a planning committee meeting on Friday.
Repurposing part of the car park will, of course, impact the amount of space the club has for matchday parking, but Davies says that there is the potential for significant financial upside for the football club, and that conversations have already been held with regards to easing any potential parking issues.
“We’ve had to be patient throughout the process, but we’re now really excited that Pick Padel Ltd have been granted planning permission to proceed with their development at the Deva Community Stadium,” Davies told The Seal.
“The plans will include both covered and uncovered Padel courts, Pickleball courts, as well as a café and changing facilities, all within part of the existing car park area.
“We’re now working through the next stages with all of the relevant parties, including the proposed sub-lease agreement involving Chester FC, Pick Padel and the local council.
“This represents a really exciting opportunity for the football club to generate significant additional income, while also opening up a number of potential new revenue streams in the future.
“As a club, we recognise that we will have to sacrifice a number of matchday car parking spaces to facilitate the development, but we believe the benefits of bringing a new facility to the site, with activity taking place 365 days a year, will far outweigh that.
“We are actively exploring alternative parking arrangements with local businesses in the area, as well as the potential introduction of a matchday shuttle bus. This could help mitigate the impact on matchday parking while also supporting our wider Net Zero commitments.”
Yes. Getting that space working all year round is a really good move by the club.
I think that's closure on the phantom 2nd car park exit we've all wanted for the last 20 years 😂
3 padel places in the space of about half a mile will be interesting. Discount for CFU members please