THE directors and management of Chester City have finally lost patience with central defender Scott Guyett and decided to plan for the new season without him.

The 28-year-old player, who became out of contract last week, was offered a new deal by newly-promoted City in early May, but the Ascot-born defender jetted off to Australia to visit his family without giving the Chester management a response.

The player returned to the country indicating that he may be prepared to re-sign for the Deva Stadium club. However, a definitive decision still has not been forthcoming and the club have now withdrawn their offer.

"We are now a week into our pre-season training and we simply cannot keep hanging on for a response," said City manager Mark Wright.

"We offered Scott a generous financial package to re-sign, but apparently he hasn't been able to make up his mind.

"Nobody is bigger than the club and now that the offer has been withdrawn we can prepare for the new season accordingly."

Wright added: "I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to Chester City and I wish him well for the future."

Guyett joined Chester from Oxford United two years ago and made 27 appearances last season. The player is now expected to join fellow Coca-Cola League Two side Yeovil Town.

Wright is expected to sign a defender who has extensive Football League experience in the next few days.

Chester have switched two of next season's away games. The match against Cheltenham Town will now be played on Friday, October 8. City will visit Northampton Town on Friday, November 19.

Meanwhile, former Chester striker David McNiven has joined Queen of the South.