Chester FC manager Steve Burr has demanded his players start expressing themselves again, beginning against Cheltenham Town on Saturday.

There has been a distinct lack of the attacking, up tempo football associated with Burr's teams from the past this season and that's something the experienced boss wants to address.

He spoke with his squad this week at training and wants them to take the shackles off, telling them he can accept losing as long as the performance meets his standards and gets supporters excited.

Burr was unhappy with his side's second-half performance at Gateshead last weekend and believes it's time for the players to 'step up to the plate'.

He said: "We started off nice and bright against Gateshead and had some good opportunities that we should have done better with but in the second-half I was really disappointed at how we fell away.

"I want the flair players to express themselves and that message has been put across this week. I don't mind us losing games as long as I can see things happening on the pitch and players having a go.

"The players have got to step up to the plate and start performing."

John Rooney in action against Cheltenham during the 1-1 draw earlier this season
John Rooney in action against Cheltenham during the 1-1 draw earlier this season

The Blues have a tough task this weekend with a visit to Cheltenham, who are top of the National League and on a 10-match unbeaten run.

Back in August, Chester drew 1-1 with the Robins and Burr points to that performance as evidence of his team's capabilities.

The absence of Ben Heneghan through suspension won't help his side's cause at Whaddon Road but he has an otherwise full strength squad to choose from for the clash with Gary Johnson's table-toppers.

Ben Heneghan, in action against Cheltenham in August, misses the return fixture through suspension
Ben Heneghan, in action against Cheltenham in August, misses the return fixture through suspension

Most observers rate Cheltenham as the most impressive side to visit the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium, something Burr goes along with but he still maintains his team have what it takes to get a result in Gloucestershire.

He said: "I wouldn't disagree with that but it goes to show that we've proved we're capable of competing with them

"Our form at that time was decent. We had the result against them, Grimsby and Wrexham but we need that again on Saturday

"It's going to be a difficult game because Cheltenham are flying high, they've got some good experience in the side and it will be a tough task for us but we'll go there and try to win the match."