Chester boss Marcus Bignot has revealed how close he has come to stepping down at the beleaguered club.

Since the full extent of the Blues’ financial difficulties were revealed, Bignot has presided over a team beset with problems on and off the pitch.

Stringent cost-cutting measures have prompted player and personnel departures, which have hamstrung the ailing club’s National League survival bid.

Frustrated at the constraints imposed upon him, Bignot has given serious consideration to walking away from the role.

Asked what kept him motivated to succeed as Chester boss, he said: “First of all I’m not a quitter, I’m a fighter.

“But I’m not stupid either. I have considered my future in terms of resigning because clearly this wasn’t the job I applied for and I’m just managing the consequences of decisions made prior to me coming here and while I’ve been here.

“I want to be judged on my decisions and want to be successful or fail by the decisions I make.

“As a manager here I’m making no decisions, because I’m constantly fire-fighting.

“In terms of what I was brought in for - to go and get results - the landscape has changed and it’s all about saving the football club.

“I totally understand that, I’m a clubman and I know that the club comes first and comes before me”

Bignot has been boosted by the return of former Blues boss Neil Young, who will operate as assistant manager for the remainder of the season.

And the current Blues boss credits Young’s recruitment as pivotal in continuing his own association with the club.

“I know what’s needed at this club and if Neil Young had never come into the building I probably would have walked away” he added. It would have been an impossible task for me to carry on with because my hands are tied, my legs are tied and it feels like I’m pushing water up a hill - it feels like an impossible task at times.

“Each week it becomes even more impossible, but I’m still here because the club is on its knees.

“But me and Neil have have got the experience and we believe that if the right decisions are made the club can get off its knees.

“Now, if it’s not willing too, or can’t because of the noose around it’s neck financially, then at least we gave it a go.

“We’re not stupid men. We believe in this club and don’t want to see it go to the wall.

“I want to get back to where I came from, which is being a Football League manager.

“I’m sure some Chester fans will still harbour those dreams of getting back there and then there are the realistic ones who want to play in the highest level within the framework of the club’s business model.”

Play-off chasers Aldershot Town visit the Deva Stadium tomorrow, looking to atone for a 7-1 mauling by Fylde last weekend.

Chester boast a fine recent record against the Shots and are unbeaten in four games against them.

Bignot said: “It’s been a week where again we’ve had to do our work away from the football side of things.

“But now having Neil in to support me and the staff I can concentrate on what I was brought here to do.

“They’ve come off the back of a hammering, but I know Gary Waddock from my QPR days and I know they’re one of the best teams in this league. He knows how to get out of this league and I’m sure we’re going to see a reaction from them.

“For us though, despite everything, we’ve still managed to put out a competitive team. Performances have been encouraging and now it’s about turning those performances into points.”