Steve Burr intends to bring in more new signings once the transfer window opens after the Chester FC boss captured Kane Richards this week.

Having seen Matty Hughes and Rhys Oates recalled from their loan spells, the arrival of Ilkeston forward Richards comes at an ideal time with the busy Christmas period about to begin.

Burr has high hopes for the pacy 20-year-old, who has scored 12 goals this season, and he should feature at Barnet on Saturday (3pm).

A portion of the FA Cup revenue has been given to the manager and he has identified targets for when the window opens on January 1 but warned there could be some outward movement too.

Burr said: “Kane will give us some options and hopefully if everything’s right he’ll be in the squad for Saturday. He’s fits in with everything that we’re doing at the minute, and that’s pleasing.

“He’s been lower down but he’s a lad with plenty of potential I believe and hopefully one who’ll have a bright future ahead of him. We need to strengthen the side I believe and January is the time to do it.

“There will be one or two perhaps who will leave but it’ll be around about the January time when we start looking to bring new blood in.”

Watch: A selection of Kane Richards' goals for Ilkeston

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Following the game with Barnet, the Blues host AFC Telford United in an FA Trophy first round replay on Monday (7.45pm). Chester then entertain Altrincham on Boxing Day and go to FC Halifax Town on December 28 before the return fixture with Alty on New Year’s Day.

Burr has one of the smallest squads in the Vanarama Conference and has recalled John Disney from his loan at Nantwich Town to increase his options. Peter Winn featured for the first time in six weeks in the FA Cup second round replay defeat to Barnsley on Tuesday but Josh O’Keefe remains sidelined.

Burr said: “I love the Christmas period. You get big crowds on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day which I always looked forward to as a player

“The games come thick and fast don’t they so it’s going to be a real busy period over Christmas. It’s a busy time and it’ll be a test for our squad.

“It’s a big challenge for us but we’ve enjoyed the challenge so far this season and we’ll continue to do so.”