Originally known as Deva Chat FC, AFC Chester were formed in June 2004, the brainchild of a number of posters on the Deva Chat internet message board. Graham May arranged a squad to play the first game, a friendly against Southport, which was lost 6-2, not bad for a team that had never played or trained together before!
Graham May then stepped down and Lee Wilcox took over all aspects of the club and made the club a lot more organised. Regular training sessions were organised and the 2004/05 season was spent playing in the Northern Football Supporters League. The season finished in disappointment however, with two wins all season and a 3rd from bottom league placing. The team did improve massively the following year, finishing 8th and also winning their first piece of silverware when they defeated Northwich Victoria's fans in the final of the NFSL Cup at the Victoria Stadium, emerging as victors following an extra-time 2-1 success.
Another cup final place was secured in 2006/07 but the blues were unlucky to lose out in the final to Morecambe, their consolation being a further improvement in league form, finishing in the top six.
Last season saw many changes at the club with new players arriving and a lot of players departing which resulted in a dip in form as they slipped to a tenth place finish but the team did settle into their new home ground at Cheshire County Officers Sport Club in Upton.
Last summer once again saw many changes at the club with Lee Wilcox stepping down as manager (for family reasons) and taking up the role of Chairman. Wilcox’s former assistant, Jim Gray, has stepped up to the manager’s job and he is assisted by Steve Dodd while the new management team is completed by the appointments of Mark Heron and Maria Palmer as treasurers.
With 'Respect' receiving a lot of attention over the last 12 months, did behaviour towards referees improve in your grassroots football matches last season?
Check out all the action from the LSPL Cup Finals Day!
Eight club website teams met at Manchester United's Carrington training ground last month to contest the finals of the LSPL Cup. Click below to check out all the action!
Win a trip to the Alton Towers Resort for all your team!
Club Website has teamed up with the Alton Towers Resort to offer you the chance to win a fantastic prize - a free trip to the theme park for all your team!