The Chronicle has launched Blue Bloods for the 2015-16 season, a new feature giving a platform to those who matter most - the fans.
Each week we'll be asking one Chester FC supporter's opinions on happenings at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium, on and off the pitch.
We want more fans to join our panel of experts and you can register an interest via email to chester.sport@cheshirenews.co.uk or get in touch on Twitter @ChesterFC_Chron.
This week Matthew Nickson gives his take on defensive improvements, how far the team can go and the club's Crowdfunder appeal:
READ: The Chronicle's verdict on Chester's 1-1 draw with Cheltenham Town
How impressed have you been with the start to the campaign, in particular the improvement defensively from last season?
I've been very impressed, however I would say that it's hard to judge versus last season as the style and system that the team have now adopted has changed. We now have two holding midfielders in Tom Shaw and Luke George that provide the cover ahead of a very impressive Ian Sharps and Ben Heneghan partnership.
I would say that this also adds confidence into Jon Worsnop to see that solid spine of the team in front of him and we are looking extremely difficult to breakdown. The defensive work of Jordan Chappell and Craig Hobson or Craig Mahon in front of the full-backs should also be given credit.
While the back-line is looking excellent, I also want highlight the additions to the squad going forward in Chappell and Ross Hannah who look like excellent additions to the squad. Also this new system is allowing John Rooney to play in a free role that the team can only benefit from with his excellent range of passing and skill on the ball. I feel the squad has gelled quickly but there are more exciting times to come as the team starts to understand each of their capabilities.
LOOK: Action from the Blues draw with the Robins on Tuesday night
Can the club maintain a place around the top six with the current squad? If not, what positions do you believe require strengthening?
I've not seen anything so far in the friendlies or this season to say otherwise. The squad looks extremely strong, we have maintained the nucleus of the team from last year and apart from Kingsley James I would say we have kept the best players, although George and Shaw have plugged that gap.
We haven’t had the easiest of starts and to be averaging two points a game has far surpassed my expectations with Dover away and Cheltenham - two teams I expect to be challenging - now out of the way.
The only concern for me is what is outside of the starting 11 and as the season progresses and if the squad picks up injuries and suspensions, I don’t know if we have the quality in depth to sustain a challenge for the whole season.
If I was to highlight a particular area for improvement it would have to be in the forward line as I feel we are limited with out and out strikers after Hannah.
READ: Mixed emotions for Chester boss Steve Burr following Cheltenham draw
What are your thoughts on the Crowdfunder appeal? The fund stands at over £11,000 at the moment so are you confident the target can be reached?
It's an excellent idea that has been successful at other clubs and we should embrace the fact that the club is trying to do something slightly different to the norm.
Can we make the target of £20,000? I would like to think so with a couple of the higher ticket items still to go and I hope we do reach it to provide Steve Burr with the additional funds.
The squad he has formed and the signings he has made since his arrival at the club should be taken as an indication of his skill of spotting talent and we should have every trust that he will bring in additional quality that may just get us into the play offs and then who knows.
