Seven Chesterfield talking points from John Pemberton's Dover Athletic press conference

Here are seven talking points from John Pemberton’s pre-match press conference:

Coronavirus

Pemberton said it should not be underestimated or taken lightly. The club is taking precautions such as using hand sanitiser regularly and the players have been advised not to shake hands. Pemberton said he would prefer the season to be postponed for a month or so rather than games being played behind closed doors so the supporters do not miss out and the revenue that home fixtures bring. He added that no Spireites players have been tested for coronavirus as there was no need to at this stage but said they were monitoring the situation closely.

Team news

Goalkeeper Shwan Jalal is back in training after being taken off at half-time against Chorley last weekend with a knock. Midfielder Regan Hutchinson is also back in training after missing out against Chorley due to sickness. Pemberton said “one or two” players have been “feeling under the weather” so checks will be made on them before they travel down to Dover today but he did not want to say who they are.

Who starts in goal?

Ross Fitzsimons replaced Jalal in goal at Chorley last week for his debut and is pushing him for the number one spot this Saturday. With Jalal now fit Pemberton said he has a “big decision to make” over who gets the nod.

Jordan Cropper

The right wing-back scored his first goal for the club against Chorley and said he was “loving” his time at the Spireites. Pemberton said he was set to have a meeting with him before the Dover game to discuss his performances. He added that he has done well but does make the odd mistake and wants to help him cut them out.

Tom Denton’s form

The striker has three goals in his last four games and seven in total for the season. Pemberton said Denton has lost some weight due to the work he has been putting in and is the lighest he has been. He said the forward is really enjoying his football at the moment and comes in every morning with a smile on his face.

Not letting standards drop

Pemberton said he has reminded the players this week how hard they have had to work to get out of the relegation zone and warned them that standards must not drop. He also said that the players are driving the standards in training and ‘police’ it themselves. The Blues caretaker added that he will not stand for anyone resting on their laurels and said he will give them a ‘kick’ if he has to.

Dover

Pemberton said he is expecting a tough game despite Dover having lost their last two games. He said they are a “big and physical” team and they will have to match them.