MAGPIES fans...the clock is ticking down and you will soon be able to see Matt Jansen's side back in action.

Chorley FC kick off their preparations for the new season on Tuesday night when they make the short trip to RunshawHall Lane to face West Lancashire League side Euxton Villa at pre-season schedule with their first friendly with a 7pm kick-off.

Jansen has strengthened his squad ready for a push for promotion from the Vanarama Conference North division.

Last week, the Citizen reported ex-Manchester City and Burnley defender Stephen Jordan had been added to the ranks.

Jordan is the sixth new face to join during the close season, following other new Magpies Adam Blakeman, Matt Challoner, Sefton Gonzalez, Scott Leather and Josh O’Keefe.

Jansen insists he is excited about getting started again.

"I am really looking forward to the upcoming season and have made some excellent signings.

"I just can't wait for the players to get playing games again.

"It looks like it is going to be a very good league this season with lots of teams spending good money on players.

"I feel we are better prepared this campaign and I am confident we are a very strong team to compete with the big spenders."

The Magpies have been boosted by news recently that stalwart Adam Roscoe turned down an approach by Stockport County to link up with ex-team-mate Mark Ross.

The midfielder reached the landmark figure of 300 club appearances and he will go down in Chorley folklore for his spectacular goal in the play-off semi-final at Boston United.

Jansen is calling on Magpies fans to get cheer on the new-look squad in action.

He said: "I hope plenty of fans will be down there for the opening pre-season game and get behind the lads.

"Our business is done really but there is the ongoing Darren Stephenson saga and if he was to leave I would be looking to try and replace him obviously.

"Other than that I am really looking forward to our first match."

The Magpies have a busy pre-season schedule lined up after the Euxton Villa tie as they entertain Preston North End in the annual fixture for the Jack Kirkland Trophy on July 9, followed by hosting Southport on July 12.

Another home tie against Airbus UK Broughton is scheduled for July 16 then Wigan Athletic come to Victory Park four days later.

Magpies old-boy Tom Baker's Trafford side will host Chorley when the two sides meet on July 23 then Bolton Wanderers will be in Chorley on July 27 for the Harold Taylor Memorial Trophy.

Their pre-season will be wound up with a trip to Irongate to take on local rivals Bamber Bridge.