WAYNE Brown is likely to get a warm reception when he returns to the Saunders Honda Stadium tomorrow - but the Hereford United keeper won't be given an easy ride on the pitch.

A good shot-stopper with a tendency to come flying out of his goal for crosses, Brown served the Blues for 10 years and more than 1,600 fans turned out for his testimonial in May, 2004.

He is now enjoying a new lease of life with Hereford, where fans can buy 'Wayne Brown Superman' T-shirts from the club shop.

The significance of Brown's Chester return is not lost on City assistant manager Graham Barrow, who worked with him during his time as manager.

Barrow promised: 'We'll welcome him back - then hopefully put a few goals past him!

'He's been a good servant to the club and is a good lad. I'm glad to see he's doing well.'

Brown spent last season on loan with Hereford, helping them win promotion back to the Football League. He penned a permanent deal with the Bulls in the summer but was absent for Chester's 2-0 defeat at Edgar Street in August due to injury.

City's game plan tomorrow is likely to revolve around putting plenty of crosses into Hereford's area - to see if they can expose a well-known flaw in Brown's game.

Barrow said: 'Coming for crosses was only a weakness because he used to come for everything. Browny's never short of confidence, which you didn't mind up to a point. 'You've just got to be aware that some things will come off him.

You've got to try to rattle him a bit, but with Browny the more you talk about it, the more he'll be determined to keep us out.'

Chester will be without the injured Ashley Westwood (ham-string) and Laurence Wilson (ankle) tomorrow, although the latter is likely to be fit in time for next Sunday's derby at Wrexham. Jamie Hand begins a two-match suspension for picking up 10 yellow cards this season, meaning he will miss out tomorrow and at the Racecourse.

Simon Marples suffered a knock in training last week and is rated as doubtful.

Tomorrow's Hereford match - should it go ahead - will kick off at noon, rather than 3pm, on advice from the police.

* Chester yesterday made a failed attempt to sign Carlisle United striker Derek Holmes on loan until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has opted to stay at Brunton Park.

With the window for signing loan players now open, Blues boss Mark Wright was yesterday pressing ahead in his search for a big target man.