CHESTER reported back to pre-season on Monday with a host of fresh faces and changes at the club.

New signings Paul Turnbull, Kingsley James and Lathaniel Rowe-Turner were all present for day one in Saughall, although a handful of players including Ross Hannah, Andy Halls, John McCombe and Harry White will miss this week due to holidays arranged prior to signing.

Midfielder Lucas Dawson, who spent two months with the Blues last season, joined the group for training but remains a free agent, with boss Jon McCarthy also taking a look at several trialists, including former Port Vale goalkeeper Harry Pickering. 

Tom Shaw was relishing his new role as assistant manager while Chris Iwelumo has returned to the club as striker coach. The Blues have also brought in a nutritionist, strength and conditioning coach and psychologist ahead of the new season.

Having now spent most of their transfer budget, McCarthy is now looking at the loan market and free agents in order to complete his squad, with a back-up goalkeeper and a versatile defender top of the shortlist.

Any money generated from the sale of James Alabi, who remains no closer to agreeing a move away from Chester, could also be reinvested in the playing squad.