CHESTER FC's board has given its "full and continuing support" to co-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, following a difficult start to the season.

The Blues had gone into the campaign with hopes of replicating a promotion push in the National League North, having made it to the play-offs in the truncated 2019/20 season and being in third place in the 2020-21 campaign before it was rendered null and void due to Covid.

But the squad, which was hit by a Covid outbreak prior to the opening game of the current season, has endured mixed fortunes, without an away win and suffering a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Marske United on Tuesday, which sent them crashing out of the FA Cup.

But the Chester FC board has, on Thursday, October 7, issued a statement confirming it is backing the managerial duo.

The statement reads: "The Board of Chester Football Club wishes to confirm its full and continuing support for co-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.

"Together we share and understand supporters’ disappointment with our start to the 2021/22 season and recognise results and performances have been below an acceptable level for our club.

"Anthony and Bernard have discussed the team’s recent form with the Board and have assured us they remain firmly committed to the football club and determined to turn our season around.

"We have agreed a plan to resolve the current challenges and will continue to work closely with the managers to support them and deliver the improvement that is needed with regular reviews and an expectation from both parties that progress will be made.

"Togetherness and stability have been central to the progress we have made as a club since 2018 and we do not believe this is the time for knee-jerk decisions.

"Anthony and Bernard understand our club, retain the full support of the players and staff, and have proven their ability to meet challenges head on.

"We thank you for your continued support and can assure you the managers, players and board will do everything possible to improve our position."