 The sacking of manager John McGrath four months later meant Speight achieved his ambition as he became caretaker–manager, a role he held until the end of the season.Speight instilled new belief in the side as it pulled away from the bottom of Division Four, with new signing Stuart Rimmer from Everton proving a prolific capture.Despite the impressive run of results, Speight had to stand aside in July 1985 when former Wigan Athletic manager Harry McNally was appointed the new Chester boss.