The Chester City boss has reacted to the news that his side are listed as outsiders at 50-1 to win next season's League Two title.

He said: "I don't think it's any great shock that the bookies don't think we're going to do well when the new season starts after the way we finished our last campaign.

"We're probably the next-best placed side in the odds after Aldershot and Exeter City who have been promoted from the Conference.

"But bookies odds are all about opinions and they are taken from the expectations of other people, not ours.

"I am putting a group of players and coaching staff together that is organised and will be ready to go when the season starts."

Davies is determined to see the Blues producing a much-improved performance after the disappointment of being dragged into a relegation dogfight last term.

Chester spent the final few months of the season in free-fall after showing so much promise earlier in the season when they were just one win away from topping the League Two table.

Davies has worked tirelessly attempting to strengthen the Chester squad.

He has already signed experienced midfielder Anthony Barry and ex-Accrington Stanley midfielders Jay Harris and David Mannix, and he is now attempting to add a new striker and a new defender.

He added: "I was disappointed to lose out on Eddie Johnson who was offered a two-year contract.

"Eddie made many appearances for Bradford City but he rejected our offer and decided to join Crewe Alexandra on a short-term deal.

"I'd like to add three or four more players before the new season arrives, and I'm looking for a striker more than a centre half.

"I'm not too concerned about my defence because I have Laurence Wilson, James Vaughan, Paul Linwood, Shaun Kelly, and Kevin Roberts who can all do a job.

"Shaun Kelly and Kevin Roberts will probably be battling for the place alongside Linny in central defence.

"Kevin Roberts played in several different positions last season, but I feel he needs to find a position in order to make a career for himself.

"Shaun Kelly played in a few games towards the end of the season and made an error in our match against Lincoln, but he has learned quickly from his mistakes."

League Two Betting (odds to win the title): Gillingham 7-1, Darlington 8-1, Bradford City 9-1, Rochdale 10-1, Port Vale 11-1, Bournemouth 11-1, Wycombe Wanderers 11-1, Chesterfield 12-1, Brentford 14-1, Rotherham United 18-1, Grimsby Town 20-1, Lincoln City 20-1, Aldershot Town 22-1, Luton Town 22-1, Bury 25-1, Shrewsbury Town 25-1, Barnet 28-1, Notts County 33-1, Morecambe 33-1, Macclesfield Town 40-1, Exeter City 40-1, Chester City 50-1, Dagenham and Redbridge 50-1, Accrington Stanley 50-1.
n The Blues will start their series of friendly matches at Southport on Tuesday, July 15.

Other scheduled pre-season friendlies are: Tuesday, July 22 (home) v Carlisle United; Thursday, July 31 (home) v Swansea City; Saturday, August 2 (away) v AFC Telford United.

Chester have said it is highly unlikely that the Blues' planned pre-season friendly fixture on Saturday, July 26, at Droylsden, will go ahead.

The Manchester-based non-league club are having difficulties with their pitch, which has put a serious doubt over the game being played.

It has been reported that if the match is cancelled, Chester have made provisional arrangements to face Stafford Rangers at Marston Road on the same date.