Chester FC - Update from the General Manager

An update from the Deva Community Stadium from Chester FC General Manager, Albert Davies…

What a fantastic start to the season it has been! Our Men’s team have hit the ground running with three wins in a row to begin a campaign for the first time since 2012/13, while victory last night at Tranmere saw our Women’s side also make it six points from six in the NWWRFL Division One South.

It’s been a very busy – and exciting – summer at the Deva, and there’s still lots happening off the field to keep you updated on.

DEVA COMMUNITY STADIUM LAUNCH

Earlier in the summer, we announced that the stadium would be renamed the Deva Community Stadium and promoted a brand new partnership scheme. We wanted to try and do something different after a few years without a naming rights partner, and I’m pleased to say we already have four partners signed up for this.

This scheme offers businesses and individuals the opportunity to become part of the fabric of our home. We felt the inclusion of the word ‘Community’ within the Deva Community Stadium name reflects everything Chester Football Club stands for.

You will see on Saturday that the Deva Stadium banner at the front of the ground is no more, with the framework now fitted in its place. This is the first stage in installing our new LED signage on the front of the stadium, which has been very kindly part-funded by one of our partners and is due to be up in early September.

This is really exciting for us. It’s a great opportunity to make the front of the stadium look more vibrant and engaging, while allowing us to promote our loyal partners and also showcase everything we’re doing here at Chester FC.

For more information, visit: 

chesterfc.com/devacommunitystadium 

...or drop me an email at: 

albert.davies@chesterfc.com.

SALE OF ALCOHOL IN KIOSKS

We are pleased to announce that, subject to approval, we are aiming to re-introduce alcohol into kiosks in the North and East stands in time for the Morecambe game on Monday 31^st August.

This will be very much a phased approach before a full re-introduction, with initially pre-match sales available only from 2:00pm–2:45pm in both kiosks in the Main Stand, as well as Kiosk 7 in the North Terrace. It will not be available in the West Stand/Family Zone or indeed to away supporters.

The intention is to provide supporters with the opportunity to purchase a drink within the stadium in a controlled environment. We believe this could have wider operational benefits by encouraging fans to enter the ground earlier, improving flow rates around the stadium and reducing pressure and congestion at the Blues Bar.

As a fan-owned club, we want this to be something that our supporters can enjoy and that can become a permanent part of the matchday experience once again. However, it will be important that supporters help us to self-police this initiative and ensure alcohol is consumed responsibly and within the rules. Any significant issues or incidents will likely result in the sale of alcohol being withdrawn again.

Ultimately, it is in everyone’s hands. We want to make this work, but its continuation will depend on all of us using the facility responsibly.

PADEL

It’s been 15 months now since Pick Padel Ltd submitted planning for the development of a Padel and Pickleball facility on site here. We’re really pleased that planning permission has now been granted and this project can pick up pace.

Pick Padel really impressed us during the initial tender process, not only with their plans, but also with their eagerness to work with us as a club, recognise our community impact and play an active role within the wider community.

We are well aware that repurposing another part of the car park will impact the amount of space available for matchday parking, but we also have to consider the significant financial benefits this will bring to the club in the years to come, while helping to make the site more active and utilised on a permanent basis.

It is important we actively explore alternative parking arrangements with local businesses in the area, as well as the potential introduction of a matchday shuttle bus. There will no doubt be more updates in due course as this development continues to move forward – but this is a really exciting opportunity for the club and the opening of another long-term revenue stream.

MATCHDAY SAFETY

There’s been a lot of new faces on a first team front this summer, but also we’ve seen some changes off it too! Ian Gallagher has been appointed as Safety Officer, bringing an impressive CV and a wealth of experience in the role.

It is also important to place on record our thanks to outgoing Safety Officer Steve Povey who served the club brilliantly for the last 16 years in the role since reformation.

Ian will have plenty to take on in his position, including the introduction of Martyn’s Law, which will come into force from 2027 and place new responsibilities on venues to strengthen preparedness for potential terrorist threats. For Chester FC, this will mean additional procedures, training and security measures to help ensure we continue to provide a safe environment for supporters, staff and visitors.

As part of this, and our ongoing commitment to safe and enjoyable matchdays, supporters should be aware that appropriate bag and personal searches will be carried out on entry to the stadium this season and onwards.

We kindly ask all supporters to cooperate with our staff and stewards. Any searches will be carried out proportionately and respectfully, and these measures are an important part of keeping everyone safe and ensuring the Deva Community Stadium remains a welcoming environment for all.

Matchday safety isn’t just about spectators either – it is important we make our venue safe for the players too.

Following the tragic passing of Billy Vigar last year, The FA has reviewed pitch perimeter safety across the National League System, resulting in new requirements for the 2026/27 season.

At Chester, an independent assessment has identified the need to remove and replace the existing perimeter walls on the North and South Stands, install secondary protection on the East and West Stands, and add protection around the dugouts and pitch access steps.

We are already progressing this work with the Premier League Stadium Fund, with a site visit taking place next week and funding available for much of the required work.

Our priority is to get the necessary measures in place as quickly as possible while ensuring the long-term solution is right for the stadium.

SUPPORTER SURVEY

We’re always looking to make matchdays at the Deva as enjoyable as possible, while listening to supporter feedback to understand what we can do to improve further.

Our recent Supporter Survey received 300 responses and provided some really helpful insight that we will be taking forward. A number of the commonly raised themes already have our immediate attention; including ensuring the toilets are consistently clean, exploring the viability of a matchday shuttle bus and reducing queue times at the kiosks.

We’ll continue to work through the feedback and look at what practical changes we can make to improve the matchday experience for everyone.

We would always actively encourage feedback to the club, as it is pivotal to us improving.

If you have any further thoughts my emails are always open at: 

albert.davies@chesterfc.com

Pictured - Chester FC General Manager, Albert Davies.