MICK WADSWORTH today revealed he was expecting competition from neighbours Wrexham in Chester City's fight for promotion to the Football League.
The Blues boss believes the Welsh club will be one of several former Football League clubs in contention to win promotion from the Blue Square Premier Division.
When asked who his promotion tips would be when the new season kicks off on August 8, Wadsworth said: "I didn't want to mention Wrexham because I would have been sorry to have mentioned them as favourites.
"They are our neighbours and they have great support.
"They are our local rivals and I've had some terrific battles with them over the years, particularly when Brian Flynn was there and I was in charge at Carlisle. We had some smashing games in the cup – and in two or three league games.
"It's always nice to play your local rivals because there's always a bit of needle and a bit of pride at stake.
"I know there's an England-Wales slant on the game and so on and so forth, but I've always enjoyed playing at Wrexham.
"I think Dean Saunders would have learned a lot from his first season in charge at Wrexham.
"He has got a lot of experience at all levels. He was a wonderful player and has worked at league clubs as a coach and at international level, so I'm sure he'll be keen to see progress and keen to get Wrexham back into the league."
Wadsworth is adamant about the club he believes will start the campaign as outright favourites to win the Conference title, saying: "Luton are the biggest contenders for promotion from the Conference in my opinion – by a considerable margin.
"Luton are the race leaders after doing really well last season. They won a trophy at Wembley and they had a hell of a crack at getting back all those points. It was an incredible effort.
"In Mick Harford, Luton have a very tough but knowledgeable man. I like him very much because, as a player, he was the man to have in your side for a tough game. I think that he will make a very good manager in the long term.
"Cambridge United will also be in contention after making the play-off final last season.
"Oxford are another side who will probably do well after investing well over the summer, but you can't discount any of the former league clubs."
Wadsworth identified the need for Chester to make a good start and hoped he would receive a clearer picture of his club's aspirations in October.
He added: "We've got to try and win a play-off place and we'd be delighted to get there. It would be a hell of an achievement, but that's why we're all here – to try and achieve.
"It's not going to be easy because we don't have a big squad, but I'm very pleased and very confident with the squad I'm putting together at the moment.
But Chester weren't helped by the fact that Saturday's friendly with Marine was called off after a Football Association probe into the club's new registration details.
The Blues had their licence application refused by the Football Association.
The club has been informed by the FA compliance unit that they should cancel their pre-season friendlies.
Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan says he is confident that an agreement will be reached between the two parties this week.