Manager: “We have got to keep plugging away”

Spireites manager John Pemberton says that the players need to remain upbeat and keep working ahead when they travel to Wealdstone (7.45pm) for this evening’s rearranged fixture.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Pemberton said: “We’ve got a fantastic opportunity to win and get to where I believe we should be.

“They [Wealdstone] had a good result at the weekend and it’s going to be a tough game. I think it’s a competitive league. There are certain things we have to be better at.

“We have got to keep plugging away. The players are working hard and they are upbeat. We’re making decent strides and there have been some good individual performances.”

In the first four league games this season, Chesterfeld have faced a tough start by taking on teams in the top four. Despite three defeats in those games, the boss is happy with the reaction from the players.

“You’ve got to be honest with yourself and I look at the players’ reaction,” the gaffer said. “The players have been disappointed that the results have gone against us and in the manner that they have.

“But then I look at the reaction the next time they walk through the door for training and the players have been upbeat. The players are working hard. They genuinely believe we are not a million miles away.”

Pemberton talked about Luke Coddington, who is still recovering from an injury he picked up last December.

He said: “He’s still working one-to-one with the medical department. We are probably looking at him realistically returning around Christmas.

“Once he starts to step his work up, then we will see more about how he is recovering. He’s making good progress. It’s just been a really difficult time for him but he’s doing well with it.” 

To watch the pre-match press conference on our Spireites+ YouTube channel, please click here.