NEIL YOUNG is keen to see his new-look squad in shape for the start of the Conference North campaign.
The Chester boss will put his players through their paces when they tackle the club’s first scheduled pre-season training session tonight.
Young is focusing his sights on another impressive season after steering the Blues to back-to-back championship title victories.
“It will be good to get back to seeing the lads in training again after their summer break,” Young said.
“There will be several new faces in this season’s team, but I firmly believe that I have strengthened the squad and that we can do well again as a club.
“Adam Proudlock Paul Linwood, and Sean Clancy have all played at a higher level and their experience will be a big plus for what will be a tough season.
“I know that people are viewing Chester as favourites for promotion again, but I’m not taking much notice of what other people are saying ahead of what I think will be a big test for us.
“People will always have opinions, but we just need to do the best we can and strive to contest for another promotion campaign.
“The Conference North is another step up for Chester and there are clubs in the division that will definitely provide a challenge.
“But I have belief and confidence in the squad that are now preparing for a hectic 10-game pre-season and what I hope will be an exciting season ahead.”
Young, who has secured the services of seven players during the close season, is planning to see the Blues steering clear of injuries and suspensions before the opening day of the season scheduled for Saturday, August 18.
Strikers Michael Wilde, Matty McNeil, Chris Simm, midfielders Levi Mackin, Ashley Williams, Iain Howard, and goalkeeper John Danby were all sidelined with injuries last term.
Wilde, Mackin and Williams all nursed collarbone injuries, while Howard was sidelined with an ankle problem, Simm played with a cast on his wrist, and Danby broke a finger.
Young added: “Injuries certainly disrupted last season for us, but I’m hoping all of those problems are behind us and that we can experience a clean bill of health this time round.
“I have great confidence in the players in the squad and I’m sure they will be doing all they can to stay strong and injury free after Gary Powell, Gary Jones and I put them through their paces on the sandhills, roads and track during the coming weeks.”
- Chester FC season ticket holders have until tomorrow to renew their existing seats for next season, with the ticket office will open until 6.30pm to assist those fans who are unable to buy their tickets during the day.
Seats will go on general sale from Monday, July 2.
- Chester FC juniors defeated Manchester City's under 10s development side.
The under 10s and under 17 colts teams are now preparing to play in matches at AFC Fylde which will precede the Blues’ pre-season friendly at AFC Fylde on Sunday, July 15.