Following a slow start to the summer, the Chester FC for 2016/17 is taking shape.
Jon McCarthy and his number two Ian Sharps have adopted a considered approach, focusing on securing the bulk of last season's team before adding to the ranks.
But the arrivals of Blaine Hudson, Elliott Durrell and Ross Killock in the past week mean the picture is now becoming much clearer.
There are still gaps to be filled but 15 players now signed up, McCarthy and Sharps will not feel the need to rush to put the final pieces of the jigsaw into the place.
As pre-season begins, here's an update from The Chronicle on who is on board so far:
Goalkeepers
Jon Worsnop: Frst-choice for most of last season, the experiencedkeeper then lost his place to Tony Thompson. Worsnop was recalled towards the end of the campaign before being benched again. Last season was a difficult one for the 33-year-old but with 12 months to run on his contract, it was Thompson was shown the door and Worsnop will be determined to win back his number one spot.
Defenders
Blaine Hudson: Tall defender Hudson arrived on a 12-month contract after leaving cross-border rivals Wrexham, where he spent two seasons. The 24-year-old made 76 league appearances for the Dragons but was deemed surplus to requirements. Experienced at this level while still having untapped potential, he will form an imposing partnership with Ryan Astles.
Matty Waters: Rewarded with a senior contract after an outstanding few years in the academy, Southend-born Waters has made three first-team appearances in the Cheshire Senior Cup. He can operate on both flanks and a promising talent of whom the club have high hopes.
Kieran Evans: Like Waters, Evans has been promoted after impressing over the past couple of seasons for the youth team. An attacking full-back who was a consistent presence for Calum McIntyre's team, set-piece specialist Evans will be out to prove himself in 2016/17.
Ross Killock: The former Leeds United youngster has returned to Chester having featured featured 19 times for the Blues while on loan during the 2013/14 season. His career since then hasn't quite gone to plan but he was a hit last time around and supporters are very pleased to see him back. McCarthy is planning to use him as a right-back where his height and strength should sure up a defence that struggled last term.
Ryan Astles: Big defender was captured from Northwich Victoria in January on a deal until the end of the season and established himself as first-choice, scoring twice in 15 league starts. There was talk of interest from Tranmere Rovers but the 21-year-old has committed his future to the Blues and will be one to watch next season.
Midfielders
Craig Mahon:Irish winger signed a two-year deal in April 2015 on the back of an excellent 2014-15 campaign. Mahon didn't quite live up to that least season, although 18 of his 38 league appearances came off the bench. The 27-year-old is a potential match-winner on his day and will be targeting a return to his best form.
Elliott Durrell: Attacking midfielder Durrell scored 14 league goals for Tamworth in National League North last season and arrives as a replacement for John Rooney. Wrexham paid a fee for the 26-year-old in January although his spell at the Racecourse was to prove an unhappy one. But he deserves another chance at this level after his time at Tamworth and will be looking to grab it with both hands.
Johnny Hunt: Signed from Cambridge United last summer, the ex-Wrexham man looks set for a return to midfield next season having operated at left-back last term. Hunt's performances were consistent in 2015/16 but there's a feeling his best in a blue and white shirt is still to come.
Jordan Chapell: One of those players who can divide fans, Chapell had an up-and-down campaign and didn't have the best of luck with injuries. But McCarthy rates the former Torquay United winger, who scored three times in 35 league games, and could be the man to get him to produce the goods on a more consistent basis.
Luke George: Last season was one to forget for the tough-tackling midfielder who arrived from Southport 12 months ago with such high expectations. Both he and the club will hope for better luck next term and if the 23-year-old can put his injury woes behind him, he will be like a new signing for the Blues.
Sam Hughes: A rare positive last season was the emergence of the teenage midfielder. The 19-year-old scored twice in 19 league appearances and forced himself into the starting side, leading to him being rewarded with a new contract. His size, strength and versatility make him a real asset and it will be intriguing to see how he develops.
Tom Shaw: Signed from Alfreton Town on a two-year deal last summer, the 29-year-old was a regular in the midfield but was another to come in from criticism from a section of fans. He looked more comfortable under McCarthy at the end of the season and remains a proven performer at this level.
Forwards
James Alabi:Powerful forward signed as a free agent in January and announced himself with a stunning strike against Kidderminster and a four-goal haul against Aldershot. When he's in the mood, Alabi is a handful for any defence but will know he needs to produce more consistent performances.
Kane Richards: The forward's enjoyed a remarkable turnaround over the final few weeks of the season having seemingly been bound for the exit door. Richards had found the going difficult since arriving from Ilkeston in December 2014 but thrived when McCarthy gave him a chance in his preferred central role and was handed a new deal on that back of that impressive end to the campaign.