Chester FC set for Vodkat Premier

Chester have been given a provisional place in the fifth tier of non-league football, in the Premier Division of the North West Counties League.

Chester had hoped to restart their new life in the Evo-Stik North, but the Football Association's new restructure leaves them out of the top four levels.

The new plan is yet to be finalised by all parties and is subject to change.

Chester City were finally expunged from the Blue Square Premier in March after many months of financial troubles.

City Fans United are continuing their plan to keep a football club in Chester and remain hopeful they may be moved up the structure in the near future.

As this year's League AGM will be held on Saturday, 19 June, until then, any pronouncements or assumptions about Chester FC or any other club joining our league are premature

Vodkat League statement

Chester FC chief executive Steve Ashton told the CFU website: "We are naturally disappointed with this decision, as we had hoped to be placed in a higher league.

"Regardless of this, the board remain focused and resolute in their objectives of building a successful football club for our city."

A statement on the Vodkat League website read: "The club involved presents itself for election at the League AGM, and the existing member clubs vote on whether the new club should be accepted.

"As this year's League AGM will be held on Saturday, 19 June, until then, any pronouncements or assumptions about Chester FC or any other club joining our league are premature."

Chester's neighbours Vauxhall Motors have been given a massive boost as they will keep their place in Blue Square North.

Carl Macauley's side were due to be relegated after finishing second from bottom.

But, as Chester and Farsley Celtic both dropped out of the Conference, there were not enough teams to fill all the league positions, so they had their place reinstated.

The re-restructuring also brought good news for Cammell Laird, who move from the Evo-Stik First Division South to the First Division North.