Chesterfield: Smith won’t be drawn on Spireites job speculation

As he prepares the Spireites for the tough trip to Bury tomorrow, Smith admits he is confident he will have at least another week holding the reins while the club continue their search for a new manager.

“Whether I’ll be in charge this time next week will largely depend on what happens at Bury.

“I feel I’ll get the week but it’s out of my hands.

“I’m not throwing my hat in the ring or even thinking about it.

“I want to get the win at Bury, not to strengthen my hand but because I’m professional and I like to win.”

The 55-year-old insists he has not been a party to any of the possible targets for the club.

He said: “I was just asked to keep things going. No rush.

“Whether that’s changed or not, I don’t know. Nothing had changed as far as I know.

“The next couple of results will either intensify the search of give us breathing space.”

Smith confirmed that defender Richard Wood has returned to parent club Rotherham United for treatment after suffering an injury.

He said: “Richard’s not trained all week and he’s out.

“Lee Novak had a calf problem in training and sat out the rest of the session so we’ll assess him on Friday morning.

“I’m hopeful he’ll be available and Chris Herd is close, but more likely to be ready for next week.”

Should Smith stick with the 3-5-2 formation which helped Chesterfield to a draw with Walsall last weekend, Wood is likely to be replaced by Charlie Raglan who was subbed on for him last weekend.

Mani Dieseruvwe would likely replace Novak after scoring twice for the reserve team in the 5-3 County Cup defeat at Glossop North End.

Byron Harrison would also be hoping for a call-up.