CHESTER'S director of rugby Steve Donovan has been overwhelmed by the players' response to pre-season training this summer, writes Ben Coulbeck.
With around 50 players regularly attending the sessions, Donovan, 51,is looking forward to an action packed pre-season schedule.
'We've had a tremendous response from the players,' he said. 'We've got around 40 or 50 guys coming down every Tuesday and Thursday and we're very happy with how things are coming on.' In preparation for Chester's first North One game at relegated Kendal on September 9, the Hare Lane outfit have three pre-season friendlies lined up - starting with a tough assignment at home to Llanharran tomorrow.
And Donovan believes it is through playing tougher sides that he and head coach Matt Farr will learn the most about the squad's new arrivals.
He said: 'We've got a dozen or so new lads training hard to force their way into the first team. We'll know more about how good they are after pre-season.
'With so many new players coming down this summer, we want to see just what they can do on the pitch. That is why these games like these are so important.
'Llanharran play in the Welsh National League One so they are going to be a very good side. We're not expecting much but we'll be better for it.
'We've also arranged friendlies against Flint and Wrexham for the second team - something that's never been done before here.' After tomorrow's clash with the Mid Glamorgan side, Chester travel up the M6 to Edge Hall Road the following Saturday to take on Orrell - now plying their trade National League Three (North) having been relegated last season from National Two.
Chester's final pre-season encounter sees them take on a rejuvenated North-wich at their Moss Farm home on Saturday, August 26.
The game will be one of the main attractions at Northwich's 'Festival of Sport' - an event which attracts thousands of spectators from across the county.
