Smith is hoping to clinch a deal to buy the Blues in the next 7-10 days once he, through David Acland, reaches an agreement with the creditors committee and major shareholder Mark Guterman.

Smith has some quite revolutionary plans for the future of the club with the ex-Great Britain American Football coach promising an influx of foreign internationals to The Deva Stadium. He also wants to attract players of premiership and first division standard to take City to within touching distance of football's top-flight in the next three years. "We've been looking to buy a football club for a while and Chester provides us with an ideal opportunity," said the 40-year-old Smith, whose backers include his Florida-based father, Gerald. "Americans love history and Chester is steeped in history. The football club has 114 years of history and you can not take that away from the fans."

There's no doubting Smith's enthusiasm and supporters will be pleased to hear such positive news. He's also been actively talking to the ISA and there's no doubt that the fans have a major part to play in the future of the club. Up to four supporters may be represented on the board under his scheme and there will also be the opportunity for smaller inverstors to buy into the shareholding of the club.

Regarding our manager Smith says: "Kevin was an outstanding player and he's got a great background. "I want to talk to him and with his expertise on the players the club has got we can sort things out. But I do have contacts from the American Soccer League and American internationals and internationals from EEC countries coming to Chester is a possibility."

Matches are on a league basis (two leagues) with the top two teams progressing through to the semi-finals. The tournament starts at 12 noon and is expected to finish around 17.00. Then it's time for the evening social!

An overnight package has been put together, staying at the Hotel Concorde on Bloomfield Road. The cost is a very reasonable £35.00 which includes coach travel to and from Chester and the overnight accommodation. The coach leaves Chester railway station at 09.00 on the Saturday and returns from Blackpool at 15.00 on the Sunday afternoon.

Smith has also been involved in a bid for the Sheffiels Steelers ice hockey team and is believed to have been looking at other clubs in England. He's being backed by his wealthy father, a Florida businessman and is currently well advanced in his offer for the club.

City have realistically about another 21 days to find a buyer. This weekend's Football League AGM and nearby Carden Park will be attended by Acland and Bill Wingrove. It is to be expected that confirmation that no club will be allowed to start next season on August 7th whilst under administration or in receivership. Luton Town, Crystal Palace and Portsmouth are in a similar perilous position to Chester.

Smith has revealed that: "With my fellow investors I have been looking for a British club for some time and when Chester City became available we took it from there. I can't say much at this stage, but I would enjoy being involved with players and the competition involved."

Smith, who's aged 40, was born in South Carolina and went to Furman University. He came to England in 1988 to join the newly formed Manchester Spartans, who played at Sheffield's Don valley Stadium, where he was head coach, winning several championships and coaching the Great Britain team. He was the only coach to win European honours with club and country and was named as Great Britain and European coach of the year.

His father, Gerald, who has several car dealerships and two thoroughbread racehorse farms in Florida, is one of the franchise owners of an indoor soccer league in the USA.