Chester City have been expelled from the Blue Square Premier, after a meeting between member clubs at Nene Park – home of Rushden & Diamonds.

More than 75 per cent of clubs voted in support of the Board of Director’s recommendation to erase Chester City (2004) FC from membership in accordance with Article 5.2 of the Football Conference Ltd.

Despite having the right to make a presentation against the recommendation, Chester City FC did not attend the meeting.

The charges relate to five separate breaches of rules by the club, including its inability to fulfil numerous fixtures and continued financial mismanagement.

A statement released by the Blue Square Premier said: “Following the meeting, the Board declared in line with Football Conference Rule 13.9 that Chester City’s record in the competition this season will be expunged.

“Chester City FC can only appeal against the decision of the Board in relation to Football Conference Rule 8.6 which relates to their recommendation to member clubs. There can be no direct appeal via the FA of the decision by member clubs relating to Article 5.2

“The Football Conference are saddened that any club should meet such a fate, and we sympathise with those who hold the club dear to their hearts. This is a lesson to every club that they have to live within their means and financial prudence can be the only way forward.”

The news deals yet another blow to Chester’s long-term survival hopes, with the club facing an adjourned winding-up order in March.

However, the club remains hopeful of a takeover deal to save the club being completed before the order, with a Danish consortium headed by Palle Rasmussen rumoured to have reached an agreement with current owner Stephen Vaughan.

Cheshire West & Chester City Council leader, Mike Jones, said: “We will work with, support and help any group if they can bring football back to Chester. We’re not going to put any money in to the club, but we will support with advice and help with business planning.”

The winding-up order concerning an unpaid tax bill of £26,125 will take place on Wednesday 10th March at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.