NATIONWIDE Conference leaders Chester City are to open contract talks with four members of their squad, whose existing agreements run out at the end of this season.

Goalkeeper Wayne Brown, defenders Carl Ruffer and Scott Guyett and striker Michael Twiss are all out of contract next June so the club are keen to ensure continuity by offering them new deals.

City chairman Stephen Vaughan said last night: "All four of the players have done well for us during their spells with the club. We have had preliminary discussions with three of them, and in the next few days we will take those negotiations further.

"We have a good squad here at the Deva Stadium, and we would naturally like to keep it together, and also offer the players security."

The Nationwide Conference have implemented a wage-capping system this season so all member clubs are keen to keep stability with their playing squads. This would avoid a scramble in the close season that could mean that some clubs miss out on certain players because they have reached their "salary ceiling" and players could miss out on joining a new club for a similar reason.

City are next in action on Saturday, when they entertain Stevenage Borough at the Deva Stadium. Chester will be aiming to extend their impressive current league record that has seen them create a post-war record of 18 unbeaten matches.

City have designated Saturday as a "flag day". The most imaginative flag at the weekend will win an executive box and full corporate facilities for the Boxing Day game against Leigh (RMI) at the Deva.