'Rarely dull' - journalist provides insight into Chesterfield's next opponents Cheltenham Town

Ahead of the game, we spoke to journalist Jon Palmer, of Gloucestershire Live, to get the latest insight on the Robins...

What do you make of Cheltenham's season so far?

It's certainly been mixed and it's rarely been dull! There have been positive periods in all six League Two matches so far, but both wins have been secured in time added on against Newport County and Harrogate Town. They conceded an injury-time goal to lose at Grimsby Town and threw away a 1-0 lead to go down 2-1 at Salford City last week, when they deserved a point at least. The other two defeats, at home to Wimbledon and at Walsall, have been the weakest performances overall, but they've been in every game so far. This sort of unpredictability and inconsistency was likely after such a summer rebuild though. No points on the road so far this season.

What was the summer recruitment like?

A total of 19 summer signings, including six loans, along with several staff changes, has made for a chaotic period since the end of last season. New boss Michael Flynn was keen to add experience first, so the likes of Harry Pell, Scot Bennet, Luke Young, Ryan Haynes and Joe Day were brought in. He has also given some youngsters their first taste of senior football and some non-league prospects the chance to have a crack at full-time football for the first time. There are very few survivors from last season's League One squad and it is likely to take this group a while to form an effective understanding, with some ups and downs guaranteed.

How would you describe their style of play?

Flynn is keen on a high energy, high pressing team that is super fit and he certainly does not look like a manager who is going to sit back and hold out for draws, or only rely on hitting teams on the break. Cheltenham have been bold going forward, but they have at times left themselves a little too open at the other end, particularly in the opening couple of games. Flynn has tinkered with the formation a little in search of the right formula, although his preferred shape has tended to be 3-4-1-2 with Cardiff City loanee Joel Colwill already a key player in the number 10 position.

What's the mood around the club like?

The general feeling is that a season of consolidation is required after three years of battling to stay in League One, much of which was damage limitation. Flynn's arrival heralded the start of a new era and he knows time will be needed to really put his stamp on things. There are plenty of examples of clubs that have dropped from the third tier and struggled again, so staying away from a relegation fight is the first target and trying to build something that can see the club challenging at the right end of the table again.

What's Michael Flynn said so far this season?

He sees similarities between Cheltenham and his hometown club Newport County, where he enjoyed a successful spell as manager. The budget is definitely in the bottom half of the table and his recruitment, as mentioned above, has been a mixture of experienced pros and untried youngsters. He's been extremely honest about all the performances and does not try to sugar coat things after games that have not necessarily gone to plan. He did try to move three or four more players on, making them available for transfer and only one (third choice goalkeeper Max Harris) left on loan, so the others remain in the squad. He has handled a potentially disastrous situation well, communicating well and treating the players respectfully at all times.

What are the expectations for the season?

A mid-table finish or just below would be seen as a respectable achievement this season after so much upheaval over the summer. The club are also targeting an overdue FA Cup run to bring in some much-needed extra cash to help balance the books after a significant loss was made over the last financial year.

Who are the key men Chesterfield need to be aware of?

Wales Under-21 international Colwill has scored three goals this season and looks a real talent capable of following in his brother Rubin's footsteps and breaking into Cardiff's first team. He's been one of the stand out performers, although he did miss the Harrogate win due to international duty. Bennett is a class act in the middle of the back three, having played under Flynn at Newport and been given the armband.

Any injuries/predicted line-up?

Pell is expected to miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury picked up in the final pre-season friendly. Player/goalkeeping coach Joe Day missed the last two games after a bite on his arm became infected and required minor surgery. He should be back among the subs on Saturday after two games without a keeper on the bench.

Possible line-up (3-4-1-2): Evans; Stubbs, Bennett, Bradbury; Jude-Boyd, Young, Pett, Haynes; Colwill; Bowman, Taylor.