FAN'S VIEW: CHESTER FC SEASON PREVIEW

Chester fan Mark talked us through the upcoming campaign for his club.

HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?

Finishing 12th was an good achievement, especially when you consider that we were gearing up to start in the Conference North prior to our reprieve from relegation in June.
We had several good spells during the season, including a last minute winner against Wrexham, a bit of an FA Cup run where we beat Stockport and Southend away and drew at Barnsley.
We also seemed to be the “Comeback Kings” last season, I lost count of the number of games that we won after we'd fallen behind.

HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?

I feel that the manager Steve Burr has chosen to bring in quality over quantity this summer.
All of the new players have impressed in pre-season and we have signed players like Ross Hannah, Ian Sharps and Jonny Hunt that are proven in the National League or above.
However, this also means that our squad is not the biggest (hence the recently launched crowdfunder.co.uk/chesterfc campaign), so we need to hope that we stay clear of injuries or suspensions.

ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?

We have looked quite impressive in all areas during pre-season and I guess time will tell in the coming weeks, but I do think that we could do with another left back and forward as cover.

ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?

I’m sure the first fixtures most Chester fans look out for are the Wrexham games, but I'm also looking forward to playing one of our other local rivals Tranmere.

WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?

I expect the likes of Grimsby, Eastleigh, Forest Green and Cheltenham to be challenging at the top.

WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?

Young defender Ben Heneghan was a revelation for us last season and could have a bright future ahead of him. John Rooney finished as our top scorer last season despite playing an unfamiliar deeper role at times, but he is expected to play a more advanced role this season and will be expected to be among the goals again.

WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?

I like to think that we can progress again this season and finish in the top 9 or 10 and stay in touch with the play-offs.  But like I mentioned earlier, a lot will depend on the squad staying fit and suspension free.