NEIL YOUNG is keen to add another striker to his squad.
The Chester boss hopes he can bolster his club’s firepower before the Blues’ opening Conference North fixture at Oxford City on Saturday, August 18.
Young, who sends his squad into action at Buckley Town tonight (7pm kick-off), currently has Marc Williams and new signings Adam Proudlock and Nathan Jarman contesting for starting roles as the Blues target a third successive title-winning campaign.
Williams competed alongside Michael Wilde, Chris Simm and Matty McNeil for a place in last season’s forward line at Chester and could face an equally tough task for a regular starting role this term.
“I would like to bring in another forward before the new season, but it would have to be the right player,” Young stressed.
“I haven’t any irons in the fire at this minute and I want to always work within my budget, but I would be delighted to strengthen my options in attack.
“People are always telling me to buy players they believe will help Chester this season, but I don’t think some of the supporters realise how expensive some players would be.
“The cost of players now is ridiculous. Every player seems to have an inflated price and it may be a case of having to look at the loan market, working within our means and doing the best with what we have.”
Young lost the services of experienced striker McNeil towards the end of last season after the player struggled with a knee injury that needed an operation during the summer.
Wilde decided to leave Chester to join Welsh Premier Division club The New Saints, while Simm, who scored a hat-trick for the Blues in the club’s last home fixture last term, has joined Bangor City.
Young added: “I have brought Adam Proudlock and Nathan Jarman to the club who have played at a higher level and scored goals.
“I am confident that both players and Marc Williams can contribute for us in the Conference North this season because they have all played at that level or above.
“But I would like to strengthen my attacking options by bringing in another striker.”
Young, who will provide every member of his squad with 45 minutes acton in tonight’s match at Buckley, is looking forward to the build up to the new campaign.
He said: “Buckley have worked hard to get tonight’s game on and it is a big game for them.
“Buckley did well last season and they have some good players. They will be our first pre-season opponents and I am going to provide every member of my squad with 45 minutes with our trip to AFC Fylde on Sunday in mind.”