'For me he is an EFL player' - James Rowe on what new signings Martin Smith and Alex Whittle will bring to Chesterfield

The central midfielder, 25, joined Chesterfield last week after leaving League Two Salford City by mutual consent.

The Spireites manager said: “Martin is a very technical player. He needs to create and score more goals for the ability he has. He needs to run forward more which we have spoken about in detail.

“He will take the ball for us. At the moment we have not done loads of work around building up from deep but we will start integrating that and I think Martin can do that. But also added to that he needs to run forward more to create and score goals which I think he has got in his locker so I am hoping he brings an all-round number ‘8’ midfield role really.”

Rowe rates Smith, who had a loan spell at Chorley last season, very highly and believes he should be playing consistently at a higher level.

“Martin has been really unfortunate in his career, he has not really had the run of games at the level he should,” he said. “For me he is an EFL player so we are delighted to have him. He now needs a bit of love. He needs the platform to play consistently and that is what we are hoping to give him here.

“He gives really good competition for players and that is what you need, when you get the best out of each other you are challenged every day and I want us to train like we play.”

The Town boss is also pleased to welcome the versatile Alex Whittle, 27, to the Blues on a free transfer after he left Rowe’s former club Gloucester City.

He added: “I was really surprised he came as a free agent. He brings a good experience in and around the level. He has played in League Two with Forest Green Rovers. He is at a good age for us. He brings competition for places. He can play multiple positions and he is a great character as well.”