'He could go all the way' - Chesterfield assistant manager George Foster praises quality of boss James Rowe

Foster played for Mansfield Town for 10 years and later went on to manage them and led them to promotion from the old Fourth Division.

The 64-year-old has held numerous scouting roles and worked for the likes of Wolves, Coventry City, Derby County, Stoke City and Swansea.

Foster and Rowe met when they were both working for the Premier League before they linked up at Gloucester City and now again at Town.

Speaking very highly of Rowe, Foster said that he believes the Blues have a squad capable of challenging for the play-offs.

“The gaffer knows what he wants and with the right backing he could go all the way.” Foster said.

“He is probably one of the best coaches I have worked with and I have worked with England coaches and some first-class coaches.

“He is an exceptional coach, he knows how he wants his teams to play and he can put that on in training sessions.

“There is not one player at Chesterfield who does not know what his role is within the club.

“I think the club is in very, very good hands.

“I think he has put together a squad now that can handle the two games a week up to the end of the season.

“There is a squad there now at our football club that can take the two games a week and can get us up amongst the play-offs.”

Foster also said that Rowe’s style of play and game plan has helped some players who were already at the club improve.

“When you are talking about three central defenders, for example, the way the boss sets the team up, it makes life easier for them because we play such a high line now,” he added.

“For most defenders they think sitting deep is safe and in fact it is not.

“The amount of pressure the players put in front of them and the work that they do, it takes so much pressure off them.

“We have only been beaten once in 11 games now and that breeds confidence throughout the club and you probably see different players.”