Pompey boss Paul Cook backing Chesterfield to bounce backk

Chesterfield vs Preston North End - Paul Cook giving out orders - Pic By James Williamson

Cook guided Spireites to a memorable League Two title before taking Chesterield into the League One play-offs in the 2014/15 season.

And, although he has enjoyed a superb promotion season with Pompey, Cook says he is saddened by the plight of his beloved club.

“It’s very sad to see and it’s so sad for the club,” he said. “No-one wants to comment too much because in football there is such a culture of blame,

“I’m not really a blame person and I think everyone has to look to the future.

“Chesterfield FC are a fantastic club, the supporters are fantastic.

“When we got to the League One play-offs we were averaging 1,200 away from home. That is magnificent for a community like Chesterield, they have such pride in their club.”

And Cook, who left the Proact hotseat in May 2015, also feels Spireites have the right man at the helm to revive Spireites.

“Gary Caldwell is a good manager, he is young and is a very intelligent guy and he will get all the support from the staff and players that he needs,” he added.

“He will do it his way as an outsider looking in, it is the first result I look for and I certainly wish everyone, especially the supporters well.

“If I can ever help them along the way with players or anything else, I will certainly be there.

“I’m sure they will get back where they need to be one day soon.”