Chester Reach The Play Offs

As the football season comes to an end this time of the year, time to reflect, celebrate and commiserate for fans up and down the country. A very emotive time if you’re a supporter of a particular club. In some divisions however, it isn’t always a straightforward outcome of success or not at the normal season end. No, in some leagues, clubs enter into what is known as the play-offs. In itself, reaching the pay-offs is considered an achievement. And of course it is as it provides clubs another chance of achieving further success. As it happens, the season is not yet over here in Chester as Chester reach the play offs in the National League North.

Chester Reach The Play Offs

For those that don’t know, the National League North (NLN) is the 6th tier of the domestic league pyramid here in England. And, as you will no doubt now understand, gaining promotion from the NLN to the National League will elevate a club into the 5th tier of the pyramid. So, a good prize is at stake.

With this brief bit of background out of the way, let’s begin by saying a big congratulations to Chester FC for reaching the NLN play offs. They did so by finishing 3rd in the NLN with a very impressive 84 points from 46 games.

And in doing so, Chester fans can take that extra bit of enjoyment in this achievement in the knowledge that the man at the helm this season is “one of their own” to coin a phrase. Yes, Chester reach the play offs with local young man, Calum McIntyre, as manager. That is a fantastic achievement in any situation, but even more so for a fan owned club. To have a fan lead a club he supports with passion to possibly bigger and better things is what makes this season even more enjoyable for Chester fans.

Fans up and down the country will know only too well the euphoria and heartache of negotiating the play-offs. So, as Chester reach the play offs it is, as already mentioned, an achievement, but there is still the possibility of the heartache of losing out of course.

Club and Fans Unite

But even if that happens, what Calum McIntyre, his staff, the backroom support and the players have already achieved is so very noteworthy. They have collectively taken the club forward in such a big way on and off the pitch. In other words, they have further cemented solid foundations for possible future progression. That progression may come this season with success in the play offs, or it may come next season or beyond.

The important point is, the way the season has unfolded has brought together a club, so often in disarray in years gone by, and its fans to such an extent it seems that the club has a stronger identity and a sense of togetherness. That in itself is massive. And on that note alone, huge congratulations in achieving that also.

In this day and age where money talks at almost every level of football, having your very own identity, growth and stability largely down to each and every member – fans included – pulling together, is fantastic. Clubs up and down the country and up and down the leagues quite often “buy” success. Yes, it’s also a great feeling if throwing a shedload of money at it and creating an uneven playing field brings you success, but it’s not the same as doing it the hard way is it.

Chester Reach The Play Offs – Who’s Up Next?

In finishing third, Chester have guaranteed themselves a place in the play off semi-final. How it works is that the teams that finished between 4th and 7th play in an eliminator round. The winners of those two games then play the two teams that finished 2nd and 3rd. Only the league winners are promoted automatically. And, the 2nd and 3rd placed teams are at home for what is in fact a semi-final. In many cases home advantage can be a a great benefit. But will it be in Chester’s case?

The reason being, Chester’s away record this season is so good, I’m sure they wouldn’t have minded playing away. In 23 away games this season, Chester won 13, drew 9 and lost only 1. An incredible record at any level. But, having a home tie is not to be sniffed at either. Especially with a packed Deva Stadium where the team will be cheered on by a passionate home crowd.

Anyway, at this stage, it is the taking part in the play offs that is the important part. I’m sure there are many teams who would gladly swap place with Chester to take part in the play offs. With or without home advantage.

So, let’s reiterate what we said earlier and offer huge congratulations to Chester in what has been a great season. And, as Chester reach the play offs, let’s hope the season concludes with even more good news.

Well done to Chester FC.

Best of luck on 7th May when you take on either Brackley or Gloucester at 3:30pm at the Deva Stadium. And who knows, we may also be offering our best wishes for the final, which will be held at 3:30pm on Sunday, 14 May.

And if you are looking for a ticket for the big match on the 7th May, then check out this link HERE.

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