STEPHEN Vaughan has promised to hand Keith Curle the funds for a January shopping spree after the Blues yesterday drew a blank in their search for new blood.
The 5pm deadline for emergency loans passed without any comings or going at the Saunders Honda Stadium, meaning Chester will not be able to add to their wafer-thin squad until the transfer window reopens on January 1.
But Blues chairman Vaughan last night vowed to deliver the financial clout for Curle to bring in up to three high quality players on permanent deals in the New Year.
'Keith had identified one or two players but we just couldn't put anything together in time for this week,' said Vaughan. 'There were one or two who wanted to stay at a higher level but, come Christmas, we'll be strengthening in the three areas Keith has identified.
'I'll give him as much as a chance in the transfer market as I've given other managers.
'We're not looking for quantity, we're looking for quality.'
Curle refused to reveal the identity of his transfer targets but admitted he had been close to sealing a deal for an experienced midfielder from a League One club.
The Chronicle also under-stands he was in the hunt for a goalkeeper and two outfield players currently plying their trade in League Two.
'It's frustrating. If I had a cat, I'd have kicked it out,' joked Curle.
The Blues chief said one of the main reasons for his failure to sign any players was unwel-come interference from agents
'One scenario we've had is that a player has gone to a club at a higher level because of this,' he added.
The Blues will be without the suspended Phil Bolland and Tom Curtis for the visit of Peterborough United tomorrow after the pair picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season at Rochdale last week.
Defender Sean Hessey remains sidelined while striker Gregg Blundell has been told he will be out for a further two weeks due to a thigh problem.
Curle said utility man Abdou El Kholti's chances of being fit were 'nip and tuck'.
It all means the Blues' squad will be stretched to the limit when they face the Posh, who are managed by former City boss Mark Wright.
The ex-England defender, who left following a dispute with Vaughan on the eve of last season, engineered Chester's return to the Football League as Nationwide Conference champions last year.
But he is unsure what kind of reception to expect tomorrow.
Wright said: 'I would be disappointed if me and (assistant manager) Steve Bleasdale received a bad reception, but nothing surprises me in football.'
