THE strange and concerning soap opera at Chester City took another bizarre twist on Saturday, when a new director of football was announced less than an hour before the kick-off at Aggborough .

Controversial former Kettering Town and Halesowen Town manager Morell Maison, who is still serving a touchline ban for what he describes as “an altercation” with one of his Halesowen players, has been brought to the club by City’s owners to work alongside current manager Jim Harvey.

The popular Harvey, who has been forced to work with an under-strength and inadequate playing squad, many of whom haven’t been paid, was unaware of the appointment of Maison until approximately 2.30pm on Saturday.

Harvey, who handled the post-match interview with his usual dignity and professionalism, confirmed that he didn’t know about the appointment until 30 minutes prior to kick-off. It is understood that there will be a meeting between the City manager, Maison, and former owner Stephen Vaughan prior to this afternoon’s match at the Deva Stadium between City and Barrow.

Morale at the Deva Stadium has hit an all-time low in recent months, and the timing and mystifying motives behind this obtuse announcement will do nothing to ingratiate the disillusioned and disenfranchised staff and supporters of the club.

Talking to the Press following the announcement Mr Maison was asked if he was involved in a future takeover of Chester City. He said: “It is not a takeover at this moment in time, it is me coming in as director of football . I am here to bring my experience in to help the club. We are trying to get everybody on side, that includes the staff and the supporters, we will give the manager (Jim Harvey) the tools he needs.

“I need to speak to the players and try and find a way forward. I am certainly not investing in the club, I have had bitter experience in the past.

“I shall be making recommendations and working on potential investment. There is a timetable for other investors to get involved.”