NEIL YOUNG believes he has assembled a squad that can earn Chester a third successive promotion campaign.
The Chester boss has put the final touches to a squad that will return to training on Thursday in preparation for the Conference North season.
Young, who has already signed seven new players, is determined to see the Blues build on their memorable start as a reformed club.
Goalkeeper Martin Fearon, defensive duo Paul Linwood and Dominic Collins, midfielders Dave Hankin and Sean Clancy, and strikers Nathan Jarman and Adam Proudlock have all joined the Blues since the end of the club’s Northern Premier Division title-winning campaign.
Young said: “I don’t think anyone can be disappointed with the quality of players I have brought to Chester since the end of last season.
“I’ve been very happy with the business the club has done because I feel we have improved the squad with experienced players and now we are ready to go forward.
“Playing in the Conference North is a significant step up so I have had to bring in good players that I feel will benefit the football club and we have three strikers in the current Chester squad – Nathan Jarman, Marc Williams and Adam Proudlock – who have all scored goals in the Conference Premier and in the Football League.”
Young admitted he was happy with the squad of players he had assembled after working within his budget.
He added: “There is nothing imminent as far as more new signings are concerned, but I may look at the loan market because that will continue to help my budget.
“I will be having a look in training this week at a few players on trial including Crewe striker Jordan Connerton who I kept an eye on when he was at Lancaster City and when I was the manager of Colwyn Bay.
“Crewe paid money to Lancaster for Jordan and I’m looking forward to seeing him in training.
“I believe the loan market is a good option for us because bigger clubs are looking at us a lot more now that we have moved up a division.
“I have spoken to several clubs higher up in the non league pyramid since last season and they have openly told me that they have been impressed with the progress we have made and they are willing to loan players to us.”
Meanwhile, Chester have compiled 10 pre-season matches before starting their league season on Saturday, August 18.
The Blues will travel to Wirral-based West Cheshire League club Ashville on Thursday, July 12, before travelling to AFC Fylde on Sunday, July 15, and will then entertain Conference Premier club Southport on Tuesday, July 17 at the Exacta Stadium.
Chester play host to Kilmarnock on Saturday, July 21, before playing host to a Liverpool XI on Wednesday, July 25, and they then face Welsh Premier League neighbours Airbus UK Broughton at the Airfields Ground on Tuesday, July 31.
The Blues will contest the Peter Swales Challenge Cup against North Ferriby United on Saturday, August 4, at the Exacta Stadium, before entertaining Football League new boys Fleetwood Town on Tuesday, August 7.
Welsh Premier Division club Bangor City, with former Chester players Chris Simm and Kyle Wilson in their squad, travel to face the Blues at the Exacta Stadium on Saturday, August 11, and Chester travel to Conwy United on Tuesday, August 14.
- Chester are organising a supporters coach to the Blues first pre-season friendly match at AFC Fylde on Sunday, July 15 (2pm).
The coach will depart the Exacta Stadium at 11.30am and seats cost £11. Anyone wanting to book a place should ring the club ticket office on 01244 371376 between 10am and 4pm Monday-Friday.