Change in fortunes is Wright’s main aim

Nov 22 2008 by Neil Turner, Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER CITY manager Mark Wright and his assistant Steve Bleasedale have been working all week with the under-achieving squad they inherited in an attempt to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Wright and Bleasedale were appointed eight days ago following the sacking of Simon Davies, and this afternoon’s Coca-Cola League Two match against Aldershot at the Deva Stadium is the first time they have been in control of team selection matters.

“We have been working on fitness and a playing shape with the lads all week and we have been getting to know them and obviously they have been getting to know what we expect from them,” said Wright.

“We have been trying to get players into the club, but there won’t be any new faces added in time for the Aldershot match.

“A number of players have been identified and we are working hard to bolster the squad prior to the closure of the temporary loan transfer window next week.” Wright’s attempt to freshen up the squad aren’t being helped by Salary Cap Management restrictions and an accompanying embargo, which means the players will have to leave the Deva Stadium before others can be brought in.

Today’s opponents Aldershot were promoted to the Football League after they won the Blue Square National championship last May. The Hampshire side have had a mixed start to the campaign, but had an excellent win in an FA Cup first round replay against Rotherham United in midweek.

“I saw the Aldershot match on Tuesday and they are a big physical side who will give us a stern test. We have to stop conceding goals because the team have conceded 42 so far this season and that is unacceptable,” said Wright.

Chester were informed by midfielder Tony Dinning yesterday that he was unavailable for selection. The 32-year-old Geordie is suffering from blisters on his foot. Defender Paul Butler has complained of a calf injury and is unavailable, while striker Kevin Ellison is serving the first game of a three-match ban.

CHESTER CITY (from): Danby, S Williams, J Vaughan, Kelly, Roberts, Linwood, Wilson, Partridge, Rutherford, Harris, Mozika, Hughes, Johnson, Rule, Mitchell, Lowe, Barry, McManus.