The Chester City boss confirmed the club had persuaded defender Paul Linwood to pen a new two-year deal.

Linwood agreed to sign after extensive talks with officials from the club, including Davies who now wants to build his team around the 24-year-old centre half.

Davies said: "I was delighted when Paul Linwood decided to agree a new two-year deal with us.

"I feel that he is as strong as any player in our division and I'm really excited by the prospect of seeing him being a key member of our defence.

"What really impressed me during the talks was the way Paul was talking about other members of our team – the talks were not just about him, they were about our plans as a club.

"He and I are both excited about where the club could be in two years time.

"Even though the signing is in-house, it feels massive and it feels like I've made a top signing.

"Paul will be our club captain next season because he shows qualities of leadership. He's not a shouter on or off the pitch, but he conducts himself and reacts to situations in the way you would expect a club captain to."

Linwood admitted that Davies had sold the club to him.

He said: "I've had several talks with Simon Davies and he sold the club to me.

"I'm was happy to sign the new contract because I was impressed with Simon's plans and with who he hopes to bring to the club before the new season starts.

"The captaincy was definitely a big selling point and the fact that Simon said that he wanted to build the team around me because it's nice to have the responsibility.

"Nobody wants to be threatened with relegation like we were last season, but I feel we can do a lot better when the new season kicks off."

Davies believes he doesn't need too many new signings and added: "I'm not in a rush to bring new players in and I don't think I need many new signings, but I need to remain patient.

"I feel the young lads from last season will start to come of age next season.

"I'm contacted by players' agents regularly and they usually inform me about good players, but I'm not in a mad rush to sign anyone and I'm not going to rush into anything."

And Davies praised owner Stephen Vaughan for the backing he had received.

He said: "I can't praise Stephen Vaughan highly enough because he has continued to provide financial support.

"I know Stephen was disappointed and frustrated about our poor end to last season, but he is backing both the club and me and the budget is there for us to give it a real good go next season."