Four big Chesterfield talking points as Adi Yussuf joins on loan from Blackpool

New Adi-tion

Adi Yussuf jumped off the Wrexham coach on the motorway and got in a taxi for three-and-a-half hours to sign for Chesterfield on Tuesday which shows his commitment and desire. The Blues needed another striker with Tom Denton ruled out for at least 10 weeks with a knee injury. The potential strike partnership of Yussuf and Asante, who are good friends, is very exciting. The pair have previously played together at Grimsby Town. “Akwasi is one of my best friends outside of football,” Yussuf said. “We speak everyday and he was a big part of me coming here. He was telling me everything about the club, the set-up, the ambition, it was a no-brainer. He is a great player and he has got everything.” I would not expect any more new signings now. Thirteen isn’t too shabby, is it?

Who will replace Wheels?

Tom Whelan is suspended for the next three matches after his appeal against his red card at Dagenham and Rebridge was rejected. With Joe Rowley out injured for at least another month with a hamstring injury, Liam Mandeville, Martin Smith and Jack Clarke will battle out for his spot. You would have to think Mandeville is in the driving seat given his promising displays off the bench and his attack-minded nature. We are told that Smith is more of a ball-playing midfielder who will help build attacks from the back. We have not seen anything from Clarke since he joined on loan from Aston Villa but he is apparently a technical player similar to Mandeville and Rowley. Saturday’s FA Trophy tie against Aldershot could be the perfect opportunity for Rowe to have a closer look at Clarke. But, as it stands, Mandeville would get the nod for me in the next league game.

Elephant in the room

The vote on whether the season will continue or not is one we don’t want to think about too much because the game we all love provides us some escapism. I am really excited about what Town could achieve this season but then the dark cloud of uncertainty takes over. I know Chesterfield want to carry on but other clubs might not feel comfortable taking on a loan. We should know more in the coming days as clubs make their stance clear. It will no doubt be close. Fingers crossed.

Fur-low

The club’s announcement that four players have been put on furlough has brought about mixed views. It was a bit of a low for some. No laws have been broken, the club consulted the PFA and the National League has approved all of Chesterfield’s new signings. The four players are all receiving their full salaries. Signing new players while others are on furlough does not sit well with some people and I can understand those concerns. However, as Rowe said, it was never their intention from the outset to do this. The suspension of the National League North and National League South seasons scuppered a couple of loan moves. If those divisions get back underway, and the club receives offers for players, they will be taken off furlough and allowed to leave.