A brief history
05 Aug 2008

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 4th, only 4 points behind champions Rhyl.

Season 07/08 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.

The summer of 2008 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 stepped up to the manager’s job and he was assisted by Steve Dodd while the new management team was completed by the appointment of Mike Griffiths as team coach. The season started well with a 1-1 draw away to a strong Rhyl side before a controversial 3-2 loss to champions Liverpool. With injuries to key players taking their toll, AFC eventually struggled along to 10th position again with 6 wins from 20 league games, but there was some good news for AFC as the League Cup summer tournament was won without conceding a single goal until the penalty shoot out in the final. Not a bad way for new manager Mike Griffiths to start at all.

This summer has once again saw a number of changes in key positions with Mike Griffiths becoming manager, and Mark Heron stepping up to become assistant, as well as several new signings being secured thanks to an advert on Chester City messageboard Devachat. AFC will be looking to improve on the last 2 seasons 10th placed finishes this term, keep your eyes peeled to find out if we can!!!!