Chester have told half a dozen players to find new clubs as part of a major overhaul of the first-team squad.

New management duo Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have this morning announced their retained list which includes Jordan Archer, Ross Hannah, Kingsley James, Craig Mahon and Matty Waters, who all remain under contract for the next 12 months, while Gary Roberts and Nathan Brown last night signed new one-year deals with the club. James Jones has been offered a new deal, but is currently considering his options

Matty Hughes has joined from Chorley on a one-year contract, but James Akintunde, Lucas Dawson, Jordan Gough, Andy Halls, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner and Harry White have all been released by the club. Neither Karl Cunningham or Dom Vose, who were only at the club on expenses-only and short-term deals, will be offered new terms.

The cull will come as no surprise to many Blues fans who witnessed 27 defeats in all competition last season, during a dreadful campaign which culminated in relegation from the National League.

Just seven of last season’s squad are now contracted for next season, although Chester are keen to offload high-earners James and Hannah if possible. However, Johnson and Morley have stated they will look to utilise the experienced duo if new clubs cannot be found.

Chester retained: Archer, Hannah, James, Mahon, Waters (all under contract), Roberts, Brown (signed), Jones (offered deal but yet to sign).

Released: Akintunde, Dawson, Rowe-Turner, Halls, Gough, White.