Chester chairman Jonny Hughes and two directors resign amid financial crisis

Chairman Jonny Hughes, vice-chair Neil Bellis and director Anne Salmon have stepped down from the City Fans United (CFU) supporters group, who own National League side Chester, just days after it was revealed the club was in financial crisis.
At a CFU meeting last Thursday, finance director Laurence Kirby told hundreds of Blues fans that the club could run out of money as early as next month with £50,000 needing to be raised in the short term.
The Board are delighted to announce that Jeff Banks, Mark Howell, Calvin Hughes and Simon Olorenshaw have been co-opted – all subject to FA Clearance.
Richard Lynes will also take on the role of non-executive Director.
Also following last night's board meeting at the Swansway Chester Stadium, David O'Toole has resigned from his position as Director with immediate effect.
Many fans vented their frustrations during the meeting towards the board and Hughes vowed that he wouldn't resign from his position after with one supporter put the question to him.
But in a statement on the CFU website, the trio confirmed they would be stepping down, admitting they had “let down” Chester supporters.
It read: “Firstly, let me express my gratitude and respect to all the concerned CFU members who gathered at the Swansway Chester Stadium last Thursday night at our Formal CFU Meeting.
“It was never going to be easy to give such news to you all and I have to admit that for quite a while I felt under tremendous pressure and some of my replies probably reflected that.
“I understand, however, that for all the pressure I felt, you were all hearing this news for the first time and were understandably hurt, angry and upset: For that I am truly sorry and I apologise for my part as a member of your board that didn't let you know sooner and I also accept that I let you down.
“Since then I have been reflecting heavily on how we can all move forward together as one team to ensure there will always be a Chester FC. For that to happen I strongly believe we all need to come together, like we did at the Guild Hall, galvanised by purpose and passion and with nothing but fire in our hearts as we continue to realise our dreams of a sustainable fan owned football club playing at the highest level possible in the city of Chester.
“For that to happen, I also believe there needs to be changes. So, with the best interests of the club at heart, I have taken the decision to resign my position of Chair of City Fans United and as a member of your board of directors with immediate effect.
“That in no way means I am giving up the fight for our club however … no chance. I intend to continue to be the fully-committed and active fan and volunteer I always have been and to continue to offer my skill-sets, verve and energy in support of the club so I can do my part to help put things right.
“I have been humbled by the messages of support that I have received in the last 24 hours, but for all of that I recognise that as a board we got some important things wrong: Again, I am truly sorry. I love this club. I love the people. I love our volunteers: There is and only ever will be one Chester FC, so my support for the team on the pitch and the team off it will always be unwavering.
“Together we will get through this and prosper under the banner of fan ownership and City Fans United. Together, we are Chester FC.”
Update: Jeff Banks, Mark Howell, Calvin Hughes and Simon Olorenshaw have been co-opted onto the CFU board.
Richard Lynes will also take on the role of non-executive Director.
Following last night's board meeting at the Swansway Chester Stadium, David O'Toole has resigned from his position as Director with immediate effect.