Once, twice, three times a Spireite '“ Drew comes out of the blue

Whilst no one would point the finger individually at the stalwart defender for Town’s newfound home in the National League, he feels responsible.

So when Chesterfield came calling, just five weeks after releasing him, he was delighted to walk back through the door.

“We were planning a season elsewhere and then the manager rang me a few days before everything got sorted out and announced,” he said.

I had no idea who it was calling and it came totally out of the blue, but I’m excited.

“It is a pleasant surprise and obviously went straight to the top of my list.

“Everyone knew my feelings about leaving, I didn’t want to go in the first place, but I respected the club’s decision and I’m just delighted they’ve changed their mind.”

Aside from 18 unhappy months at Portsmouth, Talbot has been a Chesterfield player since January 2009 and is just nine games shy of the 300 mark as a Spireite.

He had no hesitation in signing up for a third time, not least because he can banish the bitter memories from the end of last season.

“I saw the interview where he said it took five minutes and it might have taken a few minutes longer than that, but it wasn’t much longer. We were both excited,” he said.

“It gives me a chance from a personal point of view, because I hold myself accountable for what went off last season, to make amends and put things right.

“It’s a chance to be part of something exciting, the new squad we’ve got. It’s something I’m looking forward to.

“This football club shouldn’t be where it is.”

At the age of 31 Talbot has been there and done it, winning promotions with Town and Sheffield Wednesday.

Despite his vast experience, he admits there’s always a chance of being taken by surprise by the delights of pre-season training, which is due to begin next week, but admits .

“We’re back a week on Wednesday, so there’s a few more days to prepare,” he said.

“Every pre-season is tough.

“I’m used to most things but I’m sure there will be a few surprises, there always is regardless of who the manager is. It’s just about getting through it.

“If you can get through pre-season with no niggles and get that base it’s great, it gives you a good platform to play as many games as possible.

“There may be a few curve balls but different pre-seasons with different managers keeps you fresh.”

And he’ll have plenty of fellow ‘new boys’ to get to know.

“The manager has brought in people he trusts,” said Talbot.

“It’s going to be a tough league to get out of and he needs people around him he can depend on.

“I believe we’re still after a couple but the squad is shaping up nicely.”