Chester withdraw deduction appeal

Chester City have dropped their appeal against their pre-season 15-point penalty from the Football Conference - as they cannot afford to fight it.

New chairman Ian Anderson said: "If we were strong financially, I'd say let's spend £100,000 and take on the appeal.

"But the money now needs to stay in Chester City Football Club."

City had already been docked an automatic 10 points for having gone into voluntary administration following relegation from League Two in May.

They then had that increased for undisclosed reasons, the Football Association having intervened when it became clear that owner Stephen Vaughan was still part of the consortium which had bought back the club.

But, although Chester are still 24 points adrift of safety in the Blue Square Premier, having started the season on -25, Anderson says the club's hands are financially tied.

"It's a simple fiscal decision," Anderson told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"It's probably commercial duress, a double sword in the fact that we can't afford to do it. That's the reality of it."

Despite not having the funds to appeal against the second of their pre-season points penalties, Anderson hopes the club can still find the financial support to help new manager Jim Harvey strengthen his squad.

"Jim has assured me he will be looking at players this week," said Anderson. "I've had a meeting with the owner and he assured me there is money available.

"It goes without saying that this squad isn't good enough. It needs to be strengthened. It is as simple as that.

"It's there for everyone to see. We will strengthen the squad but we need to bring in the right people."