We'll kick-off today's round-up with news of a new role for former Chester FC boss Steve Burr.
The ex-Blues boss, sacked as manager at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium in April, has been handed the reins at Southport after Chester's National League rivals parted company with Andy Bishop at the weekend.
Burr had been heavily linked with the post earlier this week and has now been confirmed as the new man at the helm at Haig Avenue. He will bring his Sandgrounders side to Chester on Tuesday, November 22. One for the diary!
HORWOOD'S BROKEN NOSE
Evan Horwood missed Saturday's clash with Forest Green Rovers through suspension following five bookings this season, but he is also a doubt for this weekend.
The experienced full-back suffered a broken nose last week and is currently wearing a protective mask. He trained with the squad as normal this afternoon but will have to wear a mask should he feature on Saturday - a decision that has been taken out of Blues boss Jon McCarthy's hands.
"Ultimately is referee's call," said McCarthy.
"You let the league know ahead of time and they let the relevant people know. It isn't ideal in terms of preparation so we will see how we go. If I put him out there is it something that is going to play on his mind?"
MAKING A CASE FOR THE DEFENCE
Assistant manager Ian Sharps has been speaking on what the Blues need to do to address their defensive woes.
Individual errors at the back have been punished on several occasions so far this season and Sharps, a central defender who made over 500 appearances in the Football League during his career, is keen to find a cure.
"We are trying to get down to the crux of the problem," said Sharps.
"At the beginning of the season there were a few individual errors which you can't really coach. That is down to what the players do.
"You obviously don't want to concede goals but I watch the games and watch Blaine (Hudson) and Ryan (Astles) who are playing in my old position of centre half and for 90% of the game they are fantastic, it is just that 10%. I'm not saying it is just them but it's vital we concentrate for the whole game."
WREXHAM'S LOSS...
Chester midfielder Elliott Durrell has always had faith in his own ability.
Durrell scooper the Vanarama National League Player of the Month Award for August after some fine displays for the Blues, who he joined in the summer from Tamworth.
Not given a real chance to show what he was capable of during an 18-month stint with Wrexham, Durrell is relishing his chance to shine at Chester.
He said: “I’ve never doubted that and it is nice to get a chance to just prove that to others.
"There are probably some Wrexham fans that will tell you I wasn’t given a fair chance there but that is done now and I’m showing what I can do here at Chester."
A RETURN FOR VASSELL?
Theo Vassell could return for the Blues at Aldershot this weekend, according to Blues boss McCarthy.
The on-loan defender suffered concussion following a hefty challenge against Sutton United last month and has missed the last two games.
But McCarthy said that provided Vassell can come through both a non-contact and contact training session with parent club Walsall today and tomorrow then he will be considered for the trip to Hampshire.
MINI-KICKERS RETURNS
Mini Kickers – Chester FC Community Trust's fun football programme for children aged 3-7 – returns to the Northgate Arena this weekend.
Designed to introduce boys and girls to the game and improve core football skills in a safe and positive environment with FA qualified coaches, the Mini Kickers sessions have proven extremely popular with children and parents.
Classes take place on Sunday mornings at 9am (Reception age) and 10am (Years 1 & 2) and cost just £3 per week.
Parents are welcome to stay and watch the sessions or alternatively relax with a coffee in the cafe or go for a swim or gym session while the children are taking part.
Ashley Field, lead coach for Mini Kickers, said: “We're very excited to restart our Mini Kickers sessions and looking forward to welcoming lots of new boys and girls.
“Mini Kickers offers a first step on to the footballing pathway and we're very proud that several of our academy players actually progressed through these sessions.”
