'It is time to have some fun' - first interview with new Chesterfield manager James Rowe

The 37-year-old was appointed on Thursday evening and unveiled at a press conference on Friday morning after leaving National League North leaders Gloucester City earlier in the week.

Rowe, who has signed a contract until the end of the 2022/2023 season, wasted no time in making his first signing in striker Akwasi Asante, 28, from his former club.

“It is about taking the weight off those shoulders because I feel there is a bit of apathy around, and we have got to have some fun now,” Rowe said. “We have got to make sure the shackles are off a little bit. We have got to enjoy what we do everyday and reap the benefits on the pitch. It is a fantastic opportunity here and I am really looking forward to getting out on the grass with the players.”

Chesterfield have struggled defensively this season but Rowe’s approach at Gloucester was to seemingly outscore the opposition at all costs and it appears that will continue at the Spireites.

“As long as we are scoring more than the opposition I couldn't care less if we concede five and score six every week because we win the game, it does not matter,” he told the DT. “It is about winning the game and winning at all costs. That is how I see the game.”

Rowe will be assisted by experienced coach and scout, George Foster, 64, who was his number two at Gloucester. Foster is well-known in the area for his time at rivals Mansfield Town and for his spell as the Blues’ community officer in the 1990s.

"He is a leader,” Rowe said. “He has been a captain as a player and a manager that has won leagues so he has had a successful career. I am really excited to link up with him again.”

One Town player who Rowe is familiar with is captain Will Evans who he coached at Aldershot and he is looking forward to working with him again.

Rowe said: “I have got a great relationship with Will. We have stayed in touch since he deservedly got the move here after two play-off campaigns with me at Aldershot. He will remain as captain as it stands for sure.”

The former Birmingham City and West Ham United coach insisted that he will be giving every squad member a chance before he makes any ‘drastic’ changes.

On the squad overall, he explained: “They have got some strengths, for sure, and it is about reminding them of that and trying to get the apathy out of them at the moment because I feel like there is a little bit of apathy around the club probably because of the last five years. We have got to look forwards now and not backwards.

“It is a clean state for them and they have got to show that they want to stay here at the club and that only comes with performances and results,” he added. “I need a bit of grace with the team now before too many drastic changes are made. A good month to give these players a chance and then we will see where we are.”