CHORLEY manager John Hughes is urging Magpies fans to turn out in force for his first game in charge against Preston North End on Saturday and check out some of his new signings.

North End will be the visitors for the Jack Kirkland Trophy match in honour of the former Chorley chairman and Sir Tom Finney will present the winners with the trophy.

Hughes said: "My message to all the fans is to come down and see what we can do. We have plenty of players to pick from, including quite a number who were here last season."

One blow for Hughes is that striker Andy Mason has given up playing foorball for the time being to concentrate on his new career in the fire service.

To strengthen the attack he has brought in striker David Gray from Salford City, for his second spell at Victory Park.

He last played for Chorley when they were in the UniBond Premier Division five years ago.

Another familiar face among Hughes' assembly is that of defender Simon Kay, whose three-year spell at Victory Park at the turn of the century was curtailed by a back injury but who recovered to captain Radcliffe Borough.

Hughes has also brought in two players from his former club Great Harwood, Bobby Harris and Ryan Parr.

Jason Jones has moved over from Clitheroe, who won the North-West Counties last season, and Carl Parker has signed from Padiham.

Players who have remained in the ranks from last season include goalkeepers Lee Bracey, Paul Eatock and Graham Bennett, who all played in Chorley's first team last season; crowd favourite Ian Leather, who will be away on holiday shortly; first-teamers Jamie Vermiglio, Danny Queeley, Danny Mills, Lee Pryers, Lee Clitheroe and David Eatock - and young striker Neil Smith.

David Eatock suffered minor injuries in a car accident at the weekend but Hughes expects to see him back in action shortly. The former Newcastle player, who returned to Victory Park four years ago and who was joint leading scorer with Mills last term, has impressed his new boss, particularly with his shooting.

"I expect to see a lot of goals from David this season," he said. "He has been really buzzing in pre-season training."

Billy McCartney, last season's skipper and Player of the Year, is having trials with Droylsden while Keith Hill has retired to concentrate on coaching at Rochdale.

Entrance for the Jack Kirkland Trophy match which kicks off at 3pm is £6 for adults and £3 concessions.

There will be entertainment for all the family thanks to the presence of Deepdale Duck, the Preston North End mascot, from 1pm.

There will also be a half-time penalty shoot-out open to all-comers.

Spectators will also be offered the chance to enter a raffle to win a signed print of Tom Finney in action, as well as a signed Preston North End shirt.