FREEBIES MAY LEAD OUR POT OF GOLD

ANTHONY JOHNSON says he and joint-boss Bernard Morley couldn’t be happier with their Chester squad ahead of kick-off – some are even playing for free!

- Matt Badcock

The Blues struck deals with Brad Bauress, Luke Clark, Paddy Lacey, Ethan Cartwright and Iyrwah Gooden ahead of yesterday’s FA Cup season opener with Worksop Town while they wait on the specifics of the government’s funding package for National League clubs.

Johnson believes that shows the type of characters they have on board and they’re ready to give their all for another promotion push in the National League North after last season’s play-off finish.

“We’re buzzing with the players we’ve got in – albeit short-term, freebies,” Johnson said. “We are waiting for all this to come out so we know what we’ve got to spend this season.

“So the lads are playing at Worksop for free. Two or three of them who are non-contract and playing for free will start. Then hopefully we can offer them something based on the loyalty they’ve shown us.

“The big plus for us is continuity. Ninety per cent of last season’s squad is still together. We’ve signed a few trialists and that’s us done.