Calum 'hurt' but 'proud' of Blues

CALUM McIntyre admitted to feeling "hurt" but "proud" after his Chester FC team lost their play-off final to Scunthorpe United.

- BY CLIVE YOULTON

The 31-year-old Blues boss saw his side come narrowly close to achieving his dream of taking the club back to the National League for the first time since 2017.

In what sounded like a farewell speech amid rumours he might be moving on, McIntyre praised the fans and thanked them for their support over the past three years, while saying what pleased him most is where the club is now compared to when he joined.

On Sunday's outcome, meaning Chester will stay in National League North for next season, McIntyre said: "Yes, it is heartbreaking. I'm not going to enjoy this conversation. It's important that you congratulate the winners. You have to. We were in a big game and we came out on the wrong side of the result.

"Trust me, I'm hurting. But I congratulate the winners. It was two good football clubs, two proper football clubs and we congratulate Scunthorpe beating us over 120 minutes and I wish them all the best.

"It's important we show a bit of respect to a side that finished above us and beat us and that doesn't make it any easier to swallow. But respect to them for their promotion."