Spireites: Chesterfield coach delivers verdict on players’ fitness

First team coach Kevin Lynch believes Chesterfield’s pre-season programme has been an excellent test for the players.
Chesterfield backroom team
Back row (L-R): Mark Smith, Kevin Lynch and Gerry Carr
Front row (L_R): Paul Cook and Leam RichardsonChesterfield backroom team
Back row (L-R): Mark Smith, Kevin Lynch and Gerry Carr
Front row (L_R): Paul Cook and Leam Richardson
Chesterfield backroom team Back row (L-R): Mark Smith, Kevin Lynch and Gerry Carr Front row (L_R): Paul Cook and Leam Richardson

The Spireites went down 2-1 to League One side Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Proact Stadium on Tuesday night, following defeat at Southport on Saturday.

But Lynch, who left his post as Marine manager in May to join up with Blues boss Paul Cook, has been impressed with what he’s seen from the squad this summer.

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He said: “I think we got what we needed from the game and the players’ fitness levels are a testament to the work they’ve put in.

“The players are showing a great attitude in training with the effort they’re putting in and how they’re looking after themselves.

“If we maintain our focus, desire and hunger we’ll be in a good position to go come August 3rd at Bury. We’re going in the right direction.”

Defender Ryan Cresswell has joined Fleetwood Town in a deal worth a reported £150,000 from Southend United.

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Chesterfield have brought in defender Ryan Edwards on a month’s loan from Blackburn Rovers.

The 19-year-old, who made 26 appearances for Rochdale last season, came off the bench during Tuesday night’s friendly.

“I think he’ll be a great addition for us,” said Lynch. “It’s been well documented that we need someone in there. He’s only just come into the side but I’m sure he’ll bed in well.”

Nathan Smith had another 35 minutes as he steps up his rehabilitation from a fractured ankle suffered in the win at Oxford United in March.

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Trialists Hamza Bencherif and David Morgan, of Nottingham Forest, were both introduced as second half substitutes along with youth team prospect Jordan Welshaw.

Dave Edwards put the visitors in front before Drew Talbot equalised for the Spireites in an action-packed first 45 minutes.

Leigh Griffiths showed his quality with a neat finish midway through the second half to seal the win for Kenny Jacket’s side.

Chesterfield entertain Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday in their last friendly fixture ahead of the season’s opener at Bury on August 3.