"They are chomping at the bit to play again" - Chesterfield's squad starts to take shape as players return to pre-season training

After the signing of striker Nathan Tyson last week, full-back Jordan Cropper has joined on a season-long loan from Burnley and midfielder Milan Butterfield has arrived from Kidderminster Harriers for a small compensation fee.

Meanwhile, Haydn Hollis, Jonathan Smith and Tom Denton have all re-signed for at least another year and youngsters Jamie Sharman, Regan Hutchinson and Luke Rawson have penned new deals in what has been a busy period for the Blues.

“I think things are shaping up well,” Pemberton said.

“I don’t have a huge budget - I’m not bothered about that - sometimes with signings it’s better the devil you know and I know what I want, I know what I want to see and and I know the dynamics I want to put together and these players fit that criteria.”

The flood of transfer activity comes with the players now back in pre-season training, albeit in small groups due to the regulations in place.

Four friendly matches against Belper Town, Matlock Town, Alfreton Town and Guiseley have been announced.

Pemberton said: "The lads look fit and they have clearly been following the fitness programmes we gave them in lockdown. They're chomping at the bit to play again.

"It's not ideal because what should be a two-hour session takes six hours as we have to put on three different sessions due to the size of each group. There is nothing we can do about that, however, so we just have to get on with it.”