By Matt Badcock

SO CLOSE: Chester were beaten by Altrincham in last season’s play-offs
PICTURE: Michael Ripley

ANTHONY JOHNSON says he and joint-boss Bernard Morley couldn’t be happier with their Chester squad ahead of kick-off - some are even playing for free!
The Blues struck deals with Brad Bauress, Luke Clark, Paddy Lacey, Ethan Cartwright and Iyrwah Gooden ahead of yesterday’s FA Cup season opener with Worksop Town while they wait on the specifics of the government’s funding package for National League clubs.
Johnson believes that shows the type of characters...