CHESTER FC fans could be back at the Deva Stadium cheering on the Blues in October.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced today that crowds could be able to return to sports stadiums in the autumn.

Mass gatherings at sports grounds have been banned since March as part of social distancing measures brought in to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Today, Johnson said the Government were working towards crowds returning after some test events.

At a Downing Street briefing this morning, he said: "We will pilot larger gatherings in venues such as sports stadia with a view to a wider reopening in the autumn. 

"All of these measures, for August 1, should be done in a Covid-secure way.

"From October we intend to bring back audiences in stadia and allow conferences and other business events to recommence, again these changes must be done in a Covid-secure way subject to the successful outcome of pilots."

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously said top-flight clubs are keen to act as "test pilots" for any experiments around a phased reopening of stadiums.

Depending on how many fans are allowed back, it could be a major boost to the finances of lower league and non-league clubs who rely heavily on matchday revenue.