1996 - 1997

Kevin Ratclifte managed the team to the promotion play-offs for the first time in 1996/97.

Ronnie Sinclair was the most notable summer signing but early form was inconsistent and the squad was boosted with the mid-season arrival of Shaun Reid from Bury and Rod McDonald from Southport.

The 2-0 win at Mansfield in early February launched a run of 12 games without defeat that catapulted Chester back into the promotion race, with Andy Milner scoring four goals in a 6-0 victory over Doncaster.

Loan winger Sam Aiston starred as ended the season sixth but we lost 3-0 to Swansea City in the Third Division play-offs.