'He looks like a racing pigeon': John Pemberton explains why he has signed striker Nathan Tyson from Notts County

The forward has joined the Spireites on a season loan from Notts County.

Some Town fans have expressed their surprise at the move but Pemberton believes he is exactly what they need.

"You can talk about age but Aaron Wilbraham is 40 and he is still playing in the Football League because he keeps himself fit and looks after himself,” Pemberton said.

"Nathan has come in this morning and his body fat...he looks like a racing pigeon and that is what he has always been like.

"He is 37 but he is a fit 37.

"He is the kind of player we needed.

"I was offered quite a few players as you can imagine but I do not want to be blooding someone else's under-23 players in a relegation fight.

“I felt we needed someone who is a bit hardened to it and he fits that bill.

"He was good this morning.

"He looks sharp.

"He has not played too much at Notts County which is why he wants the change.”

County cannot recall Tyson from his loan spell but the forward will not be allowed to be play against the Magpies when they meet on February 1.

One of the reasons why Pemberton felt he needed to bring in another striker is because Mike Fondop is still suspended for another two matches after being sent off against Sutton United.

Tyson could make his debut against AFC Fylde in a crunch relegation clash at the Proact on Saturday.

"I didn't think we had the kind of player that Nathan is,” Pemberton added. “That one who plays on the shoulder, a runner in behind and he adds that.

"I am delighted to have him.

"I have known him for a while. I worked with him for a long time at Forest.

"He is very experienced.

"I think he has scored 122 goals in his career so he knows where the net is.

"He was desperate to come and be a part of us.”