“We must not underestimate them”

Manager James Rowe gave his pre-match thoughts before the Spireites travel to Victoria Park to face title-chasing Hartlepool United on BT Sport on Saturday (5.20pm).

He said: “They are closer to a defeat if they are 15 games unbeaten. We must not underestimate them; they are a good team.

“They are in the shake-up for the title for a reason. I really like the way they play and set-up, but we’ll have our own influence on the game.

“We like to play, too. Let’s see how it unfolds. The team that comes out on top will be the best team out of possession because both teams have technical players.”

Chesterfield FC, the staff and the players will take part in the ‘Social Media Boycott’ that starts at 3pm on Friday afternoon.

Rowe believes that the boycott is wholly necessary, saying: “I think we’ve got a responsibility, all of us. It hasn’t been good enough with the messages, the discrimination online. From the top to our level and below.

“We’ve all got a responsibility from club officials, to players, to playing staff, to supporters. It needs to improve, and social platforms need to do more to stop it.

“It’s unacceptable and I’m playing my part by doing the best I can on that. I’m sure that all my peers will be as well.”

Rowe gave an update on Curtis Weston and Jak McCourt as they both continue their return from injuries.

“We rested Curtis [Weston] on Tuesday because of the 4G pitch,” Rowe said. “It would’ve been too much impact on his Achilles. He’s back into training.

“Jak McCourt has had three positive days training now, so we are looking a lot stronger than we did two weeks ago.”