CHESTER CITY manager Mark Wright will start his mid-season transfer activity today.

Wright, who was furious after Wednesday's 2-1 defeat in the FA Trophy against Worksop Town, said last night: "The game against Worksop gave some of the players who aren't regulars in the side a chance to prove themselves to us. Quite frankly that opportunity wasn't grasped.

"I want players who will roll up their sleeves and battle and I didn't see any of that in the FA Trophy game."

Central defender Martyn Lancaster looks like being the first player to leave. The 22-year-old hadn't figured in the starting line-up until Wednesday night, and he is due to join fellow Conference outfit Leigh RMI later today.

Others will be following soon as the ambitious former Liverpool and England defender strengthens his squad, with striker Steve Brodie another player poised to move when he regains full fitness.

Wright has consistently said City supporters will see the best of his squad next season, and the current transfer activity is designed to assist him in achieving that goal.

The positive aspect to come out of Wednesday's disappointment was that it highlighted certain inadequacies in the playing staff to Wright and his assistant Steve Bleasdale.

The first newcomer to sign in will be Boston United wing-back Mark Clifford, who will be signed initially on a one-month loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer.

Clifford, who has been on trial at the Deva Stadium during the past fortnight, was a regular member of Boston's Nationwide Conference Championship-winning side last season.

Another newcomer will be the Oldham Athletic midfield player Adam Griffin, who has experienced first-team action at Boundary Park in the past 12 months.

City are next in action tomorrow evening, when Barnett are the visitors to the Deva Stadium in a televised Nationwide Conference fixture. The match will be shown live on Sky TV with a 6pm kick-off.

Midfield players Paul Carden and Ben Davies return to the City squad after missing the midweek match against Worksop because of one-match bans. However, defenders Phil Bolland and Wayne Hatswell miss out yet again because of suspension.