Chester appoint Connell Rawlinson as interim boss after Calum McIntyre departure

Chester have decided to name Connell Rawlinson as interim first-team manager until the end of the season following the earlier-than-anticipated departure of Calum McIntyre.

The Blues confirmed Rawlinson will take charge after McIntyre’s long association with the club came to an end on Saturday.

McIntyre had originally been expected to leave at the end of the campaign, but all parties agreed an immediate change was in the best interests of the club.

As a result, his 14-year connection with the National League North outfit came to an immediate close after more than 200 matches in charge of the first team, during which he guided the side to two play-off campaigns – including last season’s promotion final in which the Seals missed out on promotion to the National League – and twice reached the FA Cup first round.

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Exceptional contribution

A club statement said: “Everyone at Chester Football Club would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Calum for his exceptional contribution, and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

The club added that the search for a new first-team manager is already underway, with McIntyre’s successor expected to take charge next season, while Rawlinson will oversee the remaining fixtures of the current campaign.

McIntyre, who joined Chester as an academy coach in 2012 before progressing into a senior management role, paid tribute to the club in an open letter to the supporters.

Proud

He said: “The opportunity to manage Chester Football Club over the past four seasons has been a privilege.

“This club has been an enormous part of my life and today brings an end to a 14-year association with the club that I have been so very proud to represent.”

He added: “I recognise this season has fallen short of the standards we have set in previous years, and of the expectations that were formed last summer.

“Ultimately, this responsibility rests with the manager.

“While I am clear we haven’t achieved the ultimate goal of promotion, I hope you share the feeling that we have created some special memories together.”

Rawlinson, an academy graduate who returned to Chester in 2024, will be assisted by the existing coaching team and will be in the dugout as they host Darlington this Saturday.

The 34-year-old has been a part of the coaching staff at the Deva Stadium alongside his playing duties.

Chester currently sit 10th in the National League North, three points outside the play-off places, with teams surrounding them holding games in hand, and have won four of their last six matches.

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