THE home of the now-defunct Chester City FC was handed back to council officials yesterday.

Cheshire West and Chester Council regained control of the Deva Stadium when the keys to the 5,300-capacity ground, in Bumper’s Lane, were passed to its property management service by administrators.

Last month, 125 years of footballing history appeared to come to a sad end when Blue Square Premier League clubs voted to expel the former Football League club.

The decision was made after City, who had 30 points deducted at the start of the season, pleaded guilty to breaking five league rules.

Chester had also failed to keep an undertaking to pay outstanding football debts and HM Revenue and Customs debts.

Yesterday’s handover rekindles hopes a new football club can be formed in Chester.

ŠCouncil leader Mike Jones said: “At least, due to our determined efforts, the ground is back in council control.

“I am delighted this has taken place so quickly because it now allows meaningful discussions, obviously not possible under different circumstances.

Š“We are prepared to talk to anyone seriously interested in maintaining a football team inŠChesterŠwith a good business case to support their aspirations.”

Cllr Jones, council chief executive Steve Robinson and Cllr Richard Short, executive member for culture and recreation, carried out an immediate inspection of the stadium.