'It was a surprise' - John Dungworth tells of his disappointment at 'top guy' John Pemberton leaving Chesterfield

Boss Pemberton left the club by mutual consent last Wednesday morning following Tuesday’s night defeat to Altrincham.

The result left the Blues third bottom of the National League after six defeats from eight.

Dungworth, who took charge of Chesterfield’s match against Notts County on Saturday, said: “It was disappointing to lose the game on Tuesday and then finding out on Wednesday that John had left the club through mutual agreement was a surprise.

“John brought me to the football club. I have known him quite a long time since he was a player at Sheffield United and I was a coach and obviously we have crossed paths as coaches at different clubs.

“I have got a lot of respect for him, he is a tremendous coach, he is a student of the game and he gave 100 per cent commitment to this football club every day that he was here.

“He has been involved through difficult times as caretaker manager and as a youth team coach. He is a top guy.

“John has just felt that by mutual consent he has had enough.

“I have spoken to him but I believe that should be kept private.

“I must admit I was surprised, yes.

“Knowing John really well, that attracted me to come here, knowing what sort of a guy he was, what sort of principles he had, I am disappointed as anybody that he has left the football club.

“The manager has had a lot of telephone calls from players speaking about the disappointment that he has left but they are all professionals and the training has been good.”

When he asked if he would like the manager’s job, Dungworth said: “I am not sure. I don’t think so.”

And if the players had let Pemberton down, he added: “Possibly, yeah.”

The experienced coach, who has never been a caretaker before, said he felt Chesterfield’s season has hinged on ‘fine margins’ so far.

“It could be lack of concentration, people not doing jobs, but it is not just about defending, it is about the other end as well, not taking opportunities that we have created,” he told the DT.