Manager Paul Cook faced the media on Friday morning as he looked ahead to Sunday’s League Two play-off semi-final first leg against Notts County, which will be taking place at the SMH Group Stadium.
Starting with how the league campaign finished and how closely fought he believes the play-offs will be, Cook said: “You have four teams that finished within a hair’s breadth of one another, and that probably sums up what the play-offs will bring in my opinion, there’s not very much between the four teams.
“I am just really pleased with how we finished the season. I always think in the league, every point above 80 is golden. While people will think we have left a lot of points out there, every team will feel the same.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s opponents, Notts County, Cook added: “I don’t think you can get a better semi-final than the one we have got, the local rivalry between ourselves and them over the last few years. It’s a good rivalry, they’re an excellent team, they’re very well coached, so it’s going to be a really difficult game for us, but we like to think it’ll be the same for them.
“The games will be really tight games in my opinion, but all backed by fervent support, sellout games and obviously the prize of Wembley.
“At this moment in time, you could probably look at both clubs and say, ‘Well done to both clubs for how they’re run.’
“They recruit well, they have a very bright young coach, they’ve got really strong players, attendances are good, the matchday feel when you go over there is brilliant, and we would like to feel we have something very similar. So, credit to both clubs for being in a position to go forward.
“Both clubs will put on a really good game. I don’t think we have a bad game against Notts County. The games are always decided on a margin. I am just looking forward to it and looking forward to next Friday.
“Hopefully, the two sets of fans will keep it respectful like it should be. An intense rivalry, but respectful.”
Finally, discussing Chesterfield’s strong form this season against their fellow play-off opponents, Cook said: “When you go into these games, people look for edges and marginal gains, but someone could get sent off or a bad penalty decision. It’s football. I just look forward to the game; it’s a great weekend for football.
Pre-match interviews are kindly sponsored by VisitMalta
