Chester will have to win half their matches next season after their points penalty was increased to 25 by the Conference.
With 10 points already lopped off for entering Administration, they will now receive the further 15 - in line with the rules used by the Football League - for failing to agree a CVA. Based on last season's totals, where Woking were the last side relegated on 44 points, they would need the points total of a top ten finish to avoid relegation.
They are now expected to start the season against Grays on Saturday, but face a struggle with just 17 players currently available to them including several teenagers.
Update: The Conference have released a statement saying that the points deduction is only one of the terms under which Chester will operate for the coming season. They will release a full statement on the other terms when they have been finalised.