Chester managing director Bob Gray has had to release Gavin Ward, Phillip Bolland and Rob Marsh-Evans from their contracts at the club.Goalkeeper Ward, 37, has made just one appearance for the Blues since arriving from Tranmere in the summer and was involved in a secondary role as goalkeeping coach.

Bolland, 31, has had his second stay at the club ended after making just two starts this season.

Defender Marsh-Evans has also been released following a loan spell with Vauxhall Motors, while Chester have also recalled Phillip Palethorpe from his loan stay with Tamworth.

Gray told the club's official website: "We have to make decisions for the good of the football club. I've now managed to bring the wage/salary ratio down to an acceptable level based on out projections for the remainder of the season.

"The outward moves are made up of players who have not had any significant impact on City's season thus far."

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