CHORLEY FC manager Matt Jansen hopes for a bumper crowd when they kick off their Vanarama Conference North campaign against FC United of Manchester on Saturday at 3pm.

The match is one of the mouthwatering opening clashes and with FC United looking to bring their fans in their droves, Jansen wants the Magpies supporters to get behind his side.

"I want the fans to get behind us just like FC United of Manchester last year as they were losing 3-0 and they were still shouting Karl Marginson's Red and White Army.

"It is easy getting behind your team when you are winning but the fans can be as influential when you are losing.

"FC United have not recruited massively and last season they started slowly but came into their own at the back end of the season.

"They have a great following and they will be there or there abouts.

"This is a big opening game and we are looking forward to it and I hope people get behind us."

Ex-Blackburn Rovers star Jansen has no injury concerns ahead of the season.

He said: "Andy Teague had a bit of a niggle during the Bolton Wanderers game and came off and had to go to a wedding last Saturday but will be ready for FC United.

"I wish Adam Blackman had some more game-time during pre-season but he has not been able to.

"We have a stronger squad than last season with a good team spirit.

"We have not got the budget of the majority of teams in the league but we have worked well as a unit."

Jansen has boosted his squad further with the addition of Waqaz Azam.

Azam was at North West Counties side Nelson last year after spending nine seasons at Burnley - including captaining their Under-18s.

Jansen said: "He's a young right sided player with loads of potential and has impressed in the last couple of games."

The Magpies strengthened their attacking options last week when Jason Walker put pen to paper on a deal this season.

The former Barrow striker has been a proven goal scorer throughout his career and offers a different option to the management team up front to compliment Marcus Carver and Sefton Gonzales .

The 32-year-old has an impressive CV including spells with Greenock Morton, Morecambe, Barrow (two spells), Luton Town, York City, Forest Green Rovers, Southport as well as a stint with Östersunds FK in Sweden, and totals 145 goals in 480 career appearances throughout his career.

Jansen said: "He has played for Barrow in the league above and is very experienced.

"I was looking to see if he had the hunger for the game and has played well for us during pre-season."