"Nonsense" - Chesterfield's John Pemberton hits back at criticism to re-sign Notts County's Ross Fitzsimons on loan

Fitzsimons, 25, initially joined the Spireites on loan last month but was recalled by his parent club after just one week due to an injury to Magpies number one stopper Sam Slocombe.

Ironically Fitzsimons played against Chesterfield last Saturday and saved a penalty from Scott Boden with the score 0-0.

Less than 48 hours later he re-signed from County on loan until the end of the season but this time with no recall clause.

Some Town fans have suggested that the funds might have been better spent on signing a midfielder instead but that is not something Pemberton agrees with.

"We have got one goalkeeper so everybody can be an expert but if I have an injury to Shwan (Jalal) I have got two young goalkeepers who are nowhere near ready so to say that is nonsense,” he said.

"We have got one 'keeper and a lot of games coming up.

“I have got midfield players - I have got six I think - so yes we want to improve the team, we would like to have better players and we would like the players to be better, but to say that they would rather bring in a midfield player and gamble with one goalkeeper all season I think is nonsense."

County signed goalkeeper Joe McDonnell on Monday after his release from AFC Wimbledon which allowed Fitzsimons to link up with the Blues again.

And given his penalty save against the Spireites last weekend Pemberton believes he has earnt the respect of the squad.

"He wanted to come back, he wanted to be part of us which we are pleased about,” Pemberton added.

"It has been a bit of a whirlwind for him.

"I think everyone can see what his qualities are so he can only be a good addition to the squad.

“He has gone up in the pecking order with regards to respect.

"He did really well and you have to admire his professionalism really.”