Chester FC made significant progress under Steve Burr in 2014-15 with a top-half finish surpassing most supporters' expectations.

Although the football might be on hold, the summer months are some of the most hectic for managers as attention turns to retained lists, contract negotiations and discussions with potential signings and agents.

Twelve months ago, the Blues entered this period of the season in a state of flux: uncertain which league the club would be in and with barely enough players under contract for a game of five-a-side.

Chester enter this summer in a far better position with a settled manager and the core of the squad signed up.

Improving on last season's performance will not be straightforward as the renamed Vanarama National League grows ever stronger.

But for the ambitious Burr that will be the aim and he recognises the importance of strengthening the squad in the next eight weeks.

Chester will be hoping to bring in between six and eight players through the summer and The Chronicle's Jim Green has taken a look at the areas the manager will be looking to bolster and who his targets might be:

Do you agree with our assessment? Which players are on your wish-list? Let us know what you think on Twitter via @ChesterFC_Chron.

Replacing Gareth Roberts

The decision not to give Gareth Roberts a new deal came as a surprise to most and leaves a substantial hole to fill.

Ex-Wales international Roberts was one of the season's leading performers: a consistent seven or eight out of 10 every week.

He made 47 appearances and although there were a handful of games when the 37-year-old struggled, the consensus on the whole was he would have no problems going around again.

The question for the manager was could he bring in someone younger on a similar contract who would perform to the same level while having the potential to improve? The fact Roberts has been allowed to leave suggests he thinks he can.

Burr wants full-backs who push on and overlap when his wingers come inside, so ex-Chester City youngster Sean Newton, who has left Lincoln City, and Scott Barrow, out-of-contract at Macclesfield Town, could appeal but there will be a queue of clubs interested.

Another option might be Alfreton's Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, who has good experience at this level at the age of 25 and can also cover centre-half.

Depth in the centre of defence

Most supporters will be pretty happy to start the season with a first-choice partnership of Ben Heneghan and Michael Kay.

But the departures of Kieran Charnock and Matty Brown mean at least one new centre-back will be needed and the manager won't just want cover but someone to challenge for a starting spot.

Gareth Dean, who Burr knows through his England C role, could tick the boxes: a proven defender and leader who should still have untapped potential at the age of 25.

He's comfortable on his left side, one of Charnock's strengths, and feels the the time is right to move on after turning down a new contract at Nuneaton.

The manager might feel he needs someone more experienced with 25-year-old Kay the oldest member of his back four at the moment, however.

Remodelling the midfield

Chester's lack of strength and depth in central midfield hamstrung them last season and that will be something the manager wants to fix.

Kingsley James seems to be shuffling towards the exit door and, although his form dipped, there's no escaping the fact he was very good over the first-half of the campaign.

That would leave John Rooney on his own so realistically two or more new additions are needed. The ideal would be one with presence and one with legs but both will need to be comfortable in possession too.

The lack of options in the middle of the park was one of the main reasons for the manager resisting 4-4-2 last season so having three midfielders including at least one who can move out wide would enable him to switch as required.

Halifax fans have suggested a possible swap deal involving James and his England C team-mate Matty Pearson, who would certainly provide a powerful presence.

Adam Walker and James Armson have left Nuneaton and might interest the manager while Lee Fowler, who lives near Chester, Kyle Storer and Alfreton's Tom Shaw have all been successful under Burr previously.

Addressing the lack of goals up top

The number one objective for Steve Burr this summer will be to find a striker capable of scoring close to 20 goals. Unfortunately there are 23 other clubs looking to do the same and most will be able to outbid the Blues in an auction.

Landing a proven hit-man would be a major bonus but the manager's best hopes will probably be taking a chance on someone from lower down or whose career has faltered.

Could he be willing to gamble on Anthony Malbon? The 23-year-old has been plying his trade for Kidsgrove Athletic having thrived under Burr at Kidderminster. The last two seasons have been difficult for him but the ex-Port Vale youngster certainly has the ability.

Another forward from the manager's past looking for a new club is Amari Morgan-Smith, who has left Oldham Athletic after making just four starts. He's not the most prolific scorer but he's big and powerful, and Burr knows how to get the best out of him.

The manager has already confirmed his interest in Matty Hughes and will do doubt be planning to talk to Bradford City about Oli McBurnie's situation again, while another impressive loan performer Rhys Oates is on the market too.