In the wake of Neil Young's departure from the club Pauline Meakins wrote to him
on behalf of the Exiles. Neil's reply is also posted below.
Dear Neil
It was with great sadness that we learnt of your departure from the Club last
Wednesday. This was particularly sad for the Exiles as we felt you had become
a close friend after your meeting with us in London in July last year. That
meeting will be a highlight in the Exiles' memories for a long time to come
and we really appreciated you making the long journey down to come and meet
us.
We have nothing but gratitude for what you have done for the Club for the past
three seasons, as we know you worked tirelessly both on and off the field. It
has been an amazing experience for Chester fans and we don't think any of us
have ever known such three wonderful back to back seaons where we have been
truly proud of our Club and walked around with our heads held high.
For us Exiles, the speed of the success has been very welcome too with most
of us living in the south. We were in grave danger of losing touch with many
of our exiled supporters with all the early matches being in the north of the
country, so the rapid return to national football grounds has been really welcomed
and has sparked up a lot of interest again among many of our members.
While most of us were realistic in knowing this season was going to be tough,
none of us ever dreamed that you would not continue this journey with us beyond
this season. We are all very sad and truly sorry that you have left the club
and we would like to send you our sincerest best wishes with the hope that whatever
your future is now, you find the success you deserve. We are sad too that it
won't, in the short term, be with Chester FC but football is such a funny game
none of us know what lies round the corner!
Thank you so much, Neil and we wish you all the very best.
From the Chester Exiles
Pauline,
Many thanks for the kind words. I have been overwhelmed with the sincere words
that have come from so many people.
It's good to know that I did my best and people recognise that I tried to do
it in a respectful and hard working way and for the supporters and its volunteers.
Hopefully our paths will cross again - who knows? If you require an ex-manager
to come and talk to the Exiles again at any time it would be my pleasure.
Good Luck
Neil
Thursday 16 January 2014
A Letter To Neil Young
11:14