Chester board member Jeff Banks believes Chester’s ‘brilliant’ supporters will back their new season ticket initiative despite the ongoing delay in appointing a new manager.

The Blues have taken the decision to significantly reduce season ticket prices for the upcoming National League North campaign, understanding the need to provide ‘realistic and affordable’ pricing in a bid to entice fans back to the Deva following this season’s dismal relegation.

Tickets went on sale on Tuesday, but many supporters are understandably waiting to see who is appointed as Chester’s fifth permanent manager since reforming in 2010, after talks with number one target Neil Redfearn broke down over the weekend, the former Leeds United head coach refusing to agree terms with the Blues.

Positive discussions have taken place with up to four new candidates for the job, who are not understood to have initially applied for the vacancy.

“It was essential to reduce the prices with us dropping down into National League North,” Banks explained.

“When the working group came together we had pricing plans in place for staying up and dropping down, but we knew we had to make the pricing realistic and affordable.

“It’s going to be challenging, we all know that but wherever possible we will try our utmost to get people back through the gates and watching Chester.

“The Chester fans are brilliant when a rallying call goes out and I see no reason why they won’t want to buy a season ticket. We knew we had to reduce the prices and we have made them as low as we possibly can whilst still being able to bring in a playing budget.

“Hopefully the new managerial appointment which we hope will take place soon will mean it’s all systems go for the new season.”

When asked if the delay in appointing a new manager could harm initial ticket sales, Banks replied: “That’s possible and understandable given the fans will likely want to see who the new manager is before buying a season ticket.

“I had hoped it would be concluded and I think we’ve all been frustrated with how it has turned out with our number one target.

“People want to know who the new man is coming in but I’m sure the fans will also appreciate that we’re looking to appoint a new manager as soon as is possible.

“Andrew (Morris, board member) has explained it would have been putting the club at financial risk to agree to the demands (of their preferred managerial target) and if it now takes a few more days, but means we’re working within our means, then I think that’s an understandable way of moving forward. But if it takes a few more days then so be it.”

A series of resignations and the classless sacking of former manager Marcus Bignot have led to criticism of the board in recent months, but one thing they cannot be accused of is failing to make watching Chester an affordable option for children and teenagers ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

Season tickets – both standing and seating – are just £30 for those aged five to 17, under 5s can get a free season ticket and 18-21-year-olds can see 21 home matches for just £100.

“One of the key targets is to get more children back to the club, watching football on a regular basis,” Banks added.

“We think the pricing for children and teenagers is incredibly good value. Anyone up to and including the age of 17 can get a season ticket for £30, and for an extra £25 they get a home shirt thrown in too.

“We’ve tried to make the season tickets as attractive as we possibly could for children and we can’t make them much cheaper!”