Manager Paul Cook sat down with the media on Friday morning to preview the Spireites’ first Sky Bet League Two away trip of the season to Salford City on Saturday afternoon, at an earlier time of 12:30pm.
Firstly, Cook began with his final thoughts on the opening day loss against Fleetwood Town, saying: “When you come up against teams like Fleetwood, it will be frustrating. I think what everyone will see tomorrow is the total opposite of the Fleetwood game. We lick our wounds and, as every club, we come back stronger.
“I think you’ll see two teams engaging the pitch then in similar styles that want to try and be the dominant team on the pitch. So, as I said last week, credit to Fleetwood. It can be frustrating for us.”
Cook continued with his side’s reaction to last week’s defeat, adding: “We had seven debutants last Saturday at home, five starting the game and two that came on as subs. The brutal truth from my world is all new players, all new teams that are put together, they need time. The media world today doesn’t allow that.
“You know, my world is very much focussing on repetition, on the training ground. We’ve trained really well this week, and all I can tell everyone is we’re really looking forward to the game.
“Our supporters know we’ll try our best not to take a backward step tomorrow. I’m sure Salford will have a lot to say on that matter. If they force us back, it’s because they’re a good side.”
Discussing the weekend’s opponents, Cook said: “I think what Salford are doing is really good. They’re signing good players. When you’re a football team, if you ever want to be successful, try signing good players. It doesn’t half help. So, good luck to Salford in their pursuit of what they’re trying to achieve.
“For us, Salford will get treated the same way as Fleetwood, the same way as Rotherham next week. The important thing is what we’re going to try and achieve on the pitch tomorrow, and how we’re going to get there by our work ethic, our shape, our desire to play football and all the above.
“So, good luck to Salford, whatever they’re trying to do, good luck to them. But tomorrow’s a lot about what we’re going to do. We’ll have 1,200 fans there which again is unbelievably good support. The players are worth the strength of our club’s support.”
