Evatt reveals reason behind O'Grady's absence from Saturday's matchday squad

The back problem that has plagued Chris O'Grady for much of the season is what kept him out of Saturday's game.
Picture by Gareth Williams/AHPIX.com; Football; Sky Bet League Two; Exeter City v Chesterfield FC; 17/04/2018 KO 19:45; St James Park; copyright picture; Howard Roe/AHPIX.com; Chesterfield's Chris O'Grady starts an attackPicture by Gareth Williams/AHPIX.com; Football; Sky Bet League Two; Exeter City v Chesterfield FC; 17/04/2018 KO 19:45; St James Park; copyright picture; Howard Roe/AHPIX.com; Chesterfield's Chris O'Grady starts an attack
Picture by Gareth Williams/AHPIX.com; Football; Sky Bet League Two; Exeter City v Chesterfield FC; 17/04/2018 KO 19:45; St James Park; copyright picture; Howard Roe/AHPIX.com; Chesterfield's Chris O'Grady starts an attack

Ian Evatt has quashed rumours that the striker, contracted until summer 2019, had been paid up by Chesterfield.

O’Grady was present at the Proact for the Wycombe game and caretaker boss Evatt said it was simply an injury that kept the club’s record wage earner out of the squad.

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“Chris has been struggling with his back, he’s got some back issues causing him problems mobility wise so if he’s not fit I can’t include him,” said Evatt.

As for on-loan Wigan Athletic man Andy Kellett, his absence from the matchday squad was a tactical decision by Evatt.

The left-back turned attacking midfielder could be in contention for tonight’s game at home to Newport, however.

“That was just my choice,” said Evatt.

“Wycombe were a big physical team and I picked a team to try and win that game, it doesn’t mean Andy won’t be involved on Tuesday or Saturday.”

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Josh Kay was another who sat in the stands, despite making his comeback in last week’s Derbyshire Senior Cup game against Alfreton.

What Evatt saw in that game has made the manager question if the former Barnsley youngster is fit enough for league action.

“He’s fit, whether he’s ready to play I’m not so sure,” said Evatt.

“He’s been out of football for a while and was very tired in the match on Tuesday, so I don’t think he’s quite fit enough, ready to play in the first team.”

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Midfielder Giles Coke will return to training later this week and may well make just his second appearance for the club since joining on 1st February, when they visit Barnet on Saturday.

Evatt revealed: “Giles is progressing okay, I think he’s joining training on Thursday so we’ll see how he gets through that.

“Obviously he’s got to show me he’s fit enough to be involved on Saturday, so all being well he’ll do that and he’ll be involved.”