25 May 2000

Terry Smith
Chairman Chester City FC

Dear Terry

I am writing to tender my resignation as Director of Chester City FC. I would first like to thank you for the opportunity to serve the Football Club. But due to a combination of personal and professional commitments � not least no longer living in the Chester area � I now find it impossible to continue.

This gives me the opportunity to state my views about the future of the Club that hitherto it would have been inappropriate for me to express publicly. There are three points I would like to make.

Firstly, the decision to appoint Ian Atkins was inspired and so nearly brought us to safety. I would put the appointment of Ian, or a manager of similar drive and status (should he be attracted to a League Club) with the funding for a full professional squad above anything else.

Secondly, I have always believed that the future of the Club depends on successfully building a partnership between the Club and the local community. It seems to me that we are in many ways further away from this aspiration than ever. I would urge you to take the lead and immediately draw in all interested parties who have the best interests of the Club at heart � and there are many � to devise an ambitious plan for the Club. I know that much of this work is underway, but to realise it there must be genuine partnership. Such an initiative might provide the resources necessary to attract the right manager and provide him with the tools to do the job.

Thirdly, I would like to pay tribute to the tireless work that has been undertaken by everyone associated with the Club this season. But I would like single out Michael Fair and Paul Murray who have worked behind the scenes, unable to respond to criticism so unjustifiably levelled at them. In my view they were completely correct in remaining at the Club when it would have been easier to walk away in order to retain a level of supporter influence at Board Room level. I know you to have valued their contribution. They are true Chester fans and I know will always remain so.

Finally, I must distance myself from the comments you have made about the ISA. I know that I speak for Michael and Paul when I say that I have no doubt whatsoever that the ISA members and Committee are loyal, passionate and committed to Chester City Football Club. I have not always agreed with their views but absolutely defend their right as an Independent body to express them. The work undertaken by the ISA from its inception was always a team effort and not the work of a few individuals and it remains so. It was a privilege to be part of it and I am firmly of the view that a successful supporters� organisation is a vital ingredient to the future success of the Club.

It is fruitful to analyse what has happened only in so far as it informs our future actions. We must not fall into the easy trap of apportioning blame, but make sure that we do not repeat the mistakes that have been made and that we build on the things we have done well.

I wish you and everyone at the Club the very best for the forthcoming season.

I will be lending my support from the terraces.

Best wishes David Evans