I DON'T normally get mad but the events occuring at Chester City have left me a seething, spitting, dervish.

For those who have already met me (I apologise just for that) that may not come as a total surprise, especially if they've been in close proximity when the live match updates breaks down when Harriers have scored.

But this time I'm really, mad. Really, really mad. Maddder than mad Jack McMadman, the maddest man in Madchester. Why? Because I can't understand how Chester get away with it.

City's enduring fans have put up with an awful lot over the last few seasons but the 09-10 campaign will go down in infamy.

The supporters have endured relegation to the Football Conference, a 24-point deduction, players not being paid and threats of strike, huge club debts, the departure of manager Jim Harvey and the unwanted arrival of Morell Maison in the past few dark months.

Chester dodged a bullet again this week when a court gave them a 42-day lifeline to pay a £26,00 tax bill. This will be a relief for the Football Conference, who clearly do not want to see one of their clubs go to the wall, but would it be so bad?

It seems inevitable that this incarnation of the club is doomed to go out of business unless it is saved by a new buyer willing to take on the huge debts, which looks very unlikely.

Wouldn't it be better to let this dying, diseased version fade away finally, putting the fans out of their misery, before setting up a new club. Any moneymen put off by the old club's finances would have clean slate to start with.

They may have to start down the leagues but AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester have proved that with the right fan backing the Football Conference, or even the Football League, are only a few promotions away.

Also, is it not better to enjoy winning lower down than the total misery they're experiencing now? It must be.