Evatt puts forward passionate case for his suitability to be Spireites gaffer

Ian Evatt might not be ready to apply, or even admit that he plans to apply, but today he put forward a passionate case for his suitability for the Chesterfield manager job.
Picture Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD, Football, EFL Sky Bet League Two, Chesterfield v Newport County, Proact Stadium, 01/05/18, K.O 7.45pm

Chesterfield's manager Ian Evatt

Andrew Roe>>>>>>>07826527594Picture Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD, Football, EFL Sky Bet League Two, Chesterfield v Newport County, Proact Stadium, 01/05/18, K.O 7.45pm

Chesterfield's manager Ian Evatt

Andrew Roe>>>>>>>07826527594
Picture Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD, Football, EFL Sky Bet League Two, Chesterfield v Newport County, Proact Stadium, 01/05/18, K.O 7.45pm Chesterfield's manager Ian Evatt Andrew Roe>>>>>>>07826527594

The central defender, in caretaker charge until the end of the season, still hasn’t publicly declared himself a candidate for the vacancy.

But today’s press conference at the Proact Stadium at times resembled a dress rehearsal for an interview.

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The decision on whether or not to apply is clearly weighing heavily on the 36-year-old’s mind.

“Still under consideration. But it’s a possibility, yes,” he said.

“It’s not easy, I still think I can play and it’s a tough decision. It’s one I need time to think about it, whether the deadline is this week or not.

“I still love playing, whatever role this club sees fit for me to have then I’ll do it to the best of my ability.

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“But whatever I do will be for the best interests of this club and myself.”

What isn’t in question, as far as Evatt is concerned, is his ability to do the job.

And he has an answer for those citing inexperience as a reason not to appoint the stalwart defender.

“I think I’d be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t (apply).

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“Just because I’m applying for the job doesn’t mean I’ll chuck my toys out of the pram if I don’t get it.

“I genuinely think after this last 10 days it’s shown me that I can do it, I’m determined to do it and I think I’m made for it, I’m cut out for it.

“People talk about inexperience, but I’ve also not had any failures on my CV. Who’s to say I wouldn’t be brilliant at it?

“I have strong belief in what I can bring to the table.

“Why not?”

One of the keys for any applicant will be to convince the board, and ultimately club owner Dave Allen, that they can find and sign the kind of player who can help Chesterfield halt their slide down the football pyramid and then start to climb back up it.

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Evatt says he’s had some thoughts on recruitment and knows how key it will be for Town.

“Recruitment is everything in football, not just important this summer but every summer.

“I think until Paul Mitchell left we didn’t realise what a good job he did in terms of recruitment.

“Paul Cook was a fantastic manager, but you’ve got to understand he had the best players as well and that was down to Mitch.

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“Recruitment is a massive part of football, I have my own ideas, I have contacts I’ve built up in a 20-year career, I have a lot of contacts in professional football, people I trust and know at different levels.

“So I’d tap into their information and make good choices for the football club.”