'We are getting good value' - Chesterfield chairman defends club's summer transfer business

The bulk of the 13 newcomers came in on free transfers, leading some supporters to question why not more had spent on so-called better players who command transfer fees.

Speaking at tonight’s fans’ forum at the SMH Group Stadium, Mr Kirk argued that investment in new players could not purely be measured in terms of such fees.

"Most of the players we didn’t pay transfer fees for, I think only two we did, but you have to bear in mind that a player’s contract is about his fee and the wages over the length of their contract,” he said.

"All the players we have brought in this year are costed for well within our constraints and obviously Sharon (Kirk) is very supportive and both Paul (Cook) and myself and we feel are getting good value, perhaps better value than we have ever had in terms of the signings.

"When people say ‘you didn’t pay a fee for this or that player,’ it’s not all about that. It’s all about value and the length of the contract and how much it costs every year to have that player play for the football club.”

The predominantly young Chesterfield side which outscored a gifted Manchester City U21s side in the EFL Trophy early this week was indicative of a change in profile of new player.

“We decided to work hard at bringing some youth into the team as well as getting quality players,” added the chairman.

"We brought in 13 players, average age 23-and-a-half.

"For the first six league games of last year our squad had an average age of 28.1. This year it is 26.6.

"I think it is the right direction for the club to go in and I hope that everyone is excited about having some youth on the pitch because I know I am. It is great to see.”

At the tail-end of the window Chesterfield dropped the three final pieces into the squad jigsaw when Louie Marsh, Joel Randall and Kiano Dyer arrived from Sheffield United, Bolton and Chelsea respectively on loan.

Marsh and Randall have both been among the goals while the nimble Dyer, still only 19, was the best player on the park against City.

Manager Paul Cook added: “With Marshy, Joel and Kiano we have become a different team within the space of making those signings.

"We have added fire power and it is no coincidence that Joel and Marshy have contributed to goals and assists quite quickly. Kiano is a very talented young man and we need to enjoy him while can.

“I think we have a really exciting squad in a league which is going to be tough this year. It has become a more even playing field where there is not much in the games.

“I like us. I like the way the lads train and the way competition for places is growing, as everyone can see.

“We have some really good players in the club at the minute and now we’ve got options on the football pitch.”