CHESTER CITY are likely to include at least two trialists in their first pre-season friendly of the summer when they entertain Walsall at the Deva Stadium on Saturday.
As well as the trialists, one of whom has Premier League experience, City will also unveil their nine close-season acquisitions who have been brought in to improve the squad for the club's return to the Football League after a four-year absence.
"Saturday is the first home game of what we hope will be a memorable season," said City chairman Stephen Vaughan.
"We hope to announce another signing possibly before Saturday, and if we can get clearance for the player, he will also play in part of the game against Walsall.
"I hope our supporters come out in numbers at the weekend, because we have invested heavily during the summer, to strengthen our squad, in preparation for life in the new Coca Cola League. It should also be remembered that this will be the first time since April that the club has earned turnstile revenue which is extremely important to us," said Vaughan.
FIFA have had a change of heart regarding the number of substitutes that can be used in pre-season friendly games. Last week they decreed that a maximum of six per team would only be permitted in any match, but following pressure from European clubs, the edict has been revoked and will only apply to friendly international matches.
City's other home friendlies are against Cardiff City on Tuesday July 20, Queen of the South visit on Saturday July 24, while on Monday August 2, Graeme Sou-ness brings his Blackburn Rovers Premier League outfit to mid Cheshire.
Chester's youth side drew 1-1 with a Tranmere Rovers youth team yesterday, the game was played at Rovers' Ingleborough Road training ground.
