Gary Roberts spoke to the media on Friday morning, ahead of the Spireites’ trip to the East Coast to face Grimsby Town in Sky Bet League Two on Saturday afternoon.
Roberts started with his thoughts on the challenges that Chesterfield will face from the Mariners, saying: “Probably the toughest team we could face in the league. Highest scorers, highest average percentage of possession, really good philosophy, well-drilled team.
“They’ve got a really strong identity in how they play, and I think David Artell has done a great job with the way they set up. It’s really good for us to watch and study them.
“They’re different to what we’ve come up against the last couple of weeks, but it’s a good challenge and should be a good football match.”
Reflecting on the Spireites’ recent form, Roberts said: “We know we probably should have won Tuesday and possibly should have won against Accrington with a late penalty.
“We could have had a couple more points on the board, but we go there six games unbeaten, so we’re quietly confident in the group and ourselves.”
The Spireites will leapfrog Grimsby if victorious on Saturday and could potentially end the day in the play-off positions. Roberts commented on the current state of League Two, saying: “This league is so tight.
“At one point, we were going to be in second place and now we’re tenth. You’re a win away from putting yourself where you want to be. We’ve got games coming up against Crewe and Grimsby, teams around us.”
Bailey Hobson was recalled from his loan spell at Brackley Town last week and scored for the Spireites in Tuesday’s Vertu Trophy clash against Liverpool U21s.
Speaking on the midfielder’s return, Roberts said: “Every time he’s played for us, he’s done well. At the minute, we’re a tad short on numbers with the injuries that we’ve picked up so Hobson will probably stay with us now.”
Roberts also provided an injury update on Adam Lewis and Will Grigg, saying: “We haven’t tested Lewis on the grass yet, so he could be struggling for tomorrow.
“Just going slowly with Grigg. We just have to manage the injury, but the sooner we get him back, the better. He’s a big part of the group.”
Speaking about the departure of Ryheem Sheckleford, Roberts said: “It was an emotional day yesterday. It was a really tough day for the coaches, for Sheckleford, for the players.
“We thanked Sheckleford for everything he has done, everything he has been a part of, but I’m happy he’s going to go and progress his career and play games.”
