NEIL YOUNG is aiming to reduce his squad in order to work within his budget.
The Chester boss believes he will whittle his current 23-man squad down to 19 or 20 players in time for the start of the Blues' opening fixture in the Northern Premier League.
Young, who has signed nine players since Chester clinched the Division One North league title, has transfer-listed Mark Connolly and Michael Aspin.
And Young is determined to reduce the size of his squad before seeing his new-look side build on last season's success.
"I've currently got 23 players in my squad, but I've made Mark Connolly and Michael Aspin available for transfer and I'm aiming to move one or two players on," Young said.
"I've got in mind who will be leaving the club and I've had a conversation with one squad member who probably won't feature, but he has decided to train with us and now needs to prove himself to me.
"The Chester squad will consist of 19 or 20 players by the time we face our first league match because I am determined to work within the club's budget.
"We can't afford to run the club with a big squad of players, so I'll be moving one or two players on during the pre-season.
"I have to reduce the number of players I've currently got at Chester, but I'm hoping that the lads will roll up their sleeves during our pre-season and show me they are good enough to play."
Young admitted he had been grateful for the help and support of a local businessman who had agreed to offer goalkeeper John Danby part-time employment to supplement his football.
Danby, 27, who made a club record 128 consecutive Football League appearances while at Chester City between 2006-2010, has returned to the Blues after his contract expired at Conference North club Eastwood Town.
Young said: "I was delighted to learn that a local businessman who is a keen Chester fan and who wishes to remain anonymous, has decided to help John Danby.
"It is absolutely great news that the gentleman concerned has decided to step in and provide John Danby with a part-time job to help supplement the money he will be receiving for playing at Chester."
Meanwhile, Young revealed that his squad's early pre-season training sessions had gone to plan.
"The full squad took part in a canal run through Chester on Thursday night and the players completed a 10 miles run from New Brighton to West Kirby on Saturday.
"There was plenty of moaning from the players about the work they were asked to do, but the squad seem to be gelling really well and supporting one another during the difficult long running sessions."