CHESTER City are expected to make another signing in the next few days, with central defender Mark Bower poised to join the Deva Stadium outfit.

The 29-year-old Yorkshireman, who played 231 Football League appearances for Bradford City, is seen as a direct replacement for former skipper Paul Linwood, who signed for Grimsby Town earlier this month.

Ironically Bower was loaned by Bradford to Luton Town last season, where he had 16 outings. The Hatters were subsequently relegated with Chester to the Conference last May.

City owner Stephen Vaughan said: “Mick (Wadsworth) has been looking for an experienced centre-half, and Mark Bower seems to tick all the boxes. We are working hard to create a squad that will give us a realistic chance of pushing for the play-offs, and the signings we are making have the quality and experience that we are looking for.”

Another player who is being linked with a move to the Deva Stadium is the much travelled non-League striker Matt McNeil, who numbers Burscough and Southport among his previous clubs.

Meanwhile, midfield player Paul Rutherford, who was released by Chester at the end of last season, is having trials with Barrow.

City’s directors are to hold meetings with the various Chester City supporters groups this week. The main topic on the agenda will be discussions about how the club’s Centre of Excellence can find funding of around £90,000, which has been lost as a result of the club’s relegation from the Football League.