Jon McCarthy has admitted that losing Ian Sharps as his assistant at Chester FC came as a blow – but he won't be looking for a carbon copy replacement.

Sharps departed the Blues on Tuesday after being offered the role of number two to Jon Whitney at League One side Walsall, bringing an end to his 18-month association with Chester.

The vacancy has now been advertised by the Blues but McCarthy won't be rushing anything and stressed the importance of making sure the new man was the right fit for the club.

"It (Sharps' departure) causes us problems, of course it does," said McCarthy.

"I valued his work and it felt like we were ready to do a few more steps. Me and Sharpy had a little moment because it felt like we had a lot of growth together. But I have taken a lot from him and hopefully he has taken a bit from me. But you have got to be positive about this stuff.

"There are a lot interesting options in terms of moving forward. What I won't do is try and get you another Sharpy. Let's take what we have got from him and lets bring someone else in. We can use it as an opportunity to be better. What could we be new? What could be different? What could we do better?

"Don't expect to be having someone 6ft 4ins who is going to be shouting and balling as it might be a different character. I am very aware of what change can do and I am aware of that. The first thing I need to make sure is that the players miss out on nothing.

"I might just open one of those texts or applications and know that it is right for this football club - I'll know it when I see it. I could have something in place by Saturday if something walked through the door or rang me, I just know I will know it and I can't really quantify that. But I know when something is not right."

Jon Whitney and Ian Sharps outside the Banks's Stadium

McCarthy was full of praise for Sharps and paid tribute to his hard work, believing his progression shows that people are recognising the good work being done at Chester.

He said: "It is absolutely brilliant for Sharpy. I think people sometimes forget how many hours footballers put in. You see the bit on a Saturday and you don't realise the amount of work they put in and all the trials, the disappointments, the training sessions as kids.

"Coaches, you spend time coaching the under-6s, U7s, U8s and you are tying shoelaces more than you are coaching to begin with.

"It took me seven years to get my A Licence, so there is a lot that goes on before that to get you that opportunity, and Ian Sharps has been doing that.

"This football club and these players has raised his profile. It's all Sharpy's effort but what we have achieved here has allowed him to get this job and just be able to coach football without all the extras.

"We know where we are as a football club now and at the end of the season I want all of our players to be in a better position, whether that is us having to offer them a better contract. In some instances we won't be able to keep up with the demands that they are having and people move on.

"Not too long ago Sharpy was after this job (Chester manager). But I knew we had the same philosophy and had an ambition and hunger and it really worked. I need that and I will trust myself to gain from that and make me better."

Chester are back in Vanarama National League action this weekend when they play host to Bromley at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium on Saturday (3pm).