The Chester City skipper was part of the Blues' team that suffered a nightmare 6-2 defeat at Dagenham and Redbridge last season which contributed towards Bobby Williamson losing his job at the helm.

Linwood has missed the last couple of pre-season friendlies because of a back injury, but is confident of lining up for the Blues in their opening League Two match at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.

He said: "I was back in training yesterday, but I have been nursing a back injury.

"I'll be fresh for the weekend hopefully, but I was rested in our last two friendlies as a precaution.

"The gaffer didn't want to risk me against Swansea or Telford because any further problems would have pushed me out of contention for our first league match."

Linwood is determined to secure a place in the City team to face Dagenham and Redbridge after the bad memory of last season's heavy defeat at the Victoria Road ground.

He added: "Last season's result at Dagenham and Redbridge was horrible to be fair, but I'm now keen to go back there and put the record straight.

"I'm excited about the start of the new season and I'm quietly confident about our chances of victory at Dagenham - we owe them one.

"We suffered from setpieces last season down there because they had a lot of big lads and they loaded the box.

"The Dagenham side hasn't changed a great deal since last season, so we're expecting another tough match against them.

"A lack of height in our team has been a problem. I know we might not have a lot of six-footers in our side, but any of our players should stay with their marker, get their head to the ball, and shouldn't be beaten.

"Last season's defeat at Dagenham was the lowest point of our season, but we've got to wipe that memory from our mind and look forward to a brand new season."

Linwood travelled with City to AFC Telford United last weekend and admitted the 4-1 defeat at the New Bucks Head didn't please anyone in the Blues camp.

He said: "A lot of our younger players played at Telford against an experienced side and we struggled to get to grips with the way they played.

"We've signed a lot of new players and it's provided us with a number of options going forward.

"I feel we've looked great in training and we're all linking up well.

We're a close bunch of lads and we're all eager for the season to start."

City have welcomed back Paul Rutherford who has returned to the Blues after a trial spell at AFC Bournemouth.

- The Chester City Supporters Club coach to Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday is full. Barrie Hipkiss said that no further bookings are being taken.

Ask Davies

If you have a question for Chester City's Simon Davies email it to digitalnews@nwn.co.uk and we'll ask as many as we can during our next weekly video interview with the Chester boss.