Whisper it quietly...but there's some positivity around Chesterfield FC - here's why

The community trust has got off to an encouraging start since taking over the club and there has been a flood of transfer activity in the last week.

As well as that, the players have started pre-season training, four friendly matches have been announced and the new away kit is now on sale. Not to mention the return of Spire Lotto!

And there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel with the fixtures out next month (September 8) and the new National League season is scheduled to start in six weeks (October 3).

Looking at Chesterfield’s transfer business so far I think they have made some decent additions.

Nathan Tyson is 38 but we all saw what he could do in a brief loan spell last season with three goals and two assists in six games. With 125 goals in his career he’s not a bad option to have is he? He won’t start every game but his experience on and off the field will be vital.

Full credit must go to Pemberton for persuading Jordan Cropper to return on a season-long loan from Premier League Burnley. Cropper, 20, made a good impression in his eight appearances for the Blues last season and a full campaign of men’s football will benefit him massively. Fair play to Cropper as well for being willing to go out on loan in non-league when he could have stayed in his comfort zone at Turf Moor.

I must admit I’ve not seen much of Milan Butterfield but Pemberton worked with him at Kidderminster so he knows what he is getting with him. He’s 22, 6ft 3, a Bermuda international and will add some “dynamism” to Chesterfield’s midfield.

Onto re-signings and Haydn Hollis, Jonathan Smith and Tom Denton have all penned new deals as well as youngsters Jamie Sharman, Regan Hutchinson and Luke Rawson.

Opinions seem mixed over Hollis and Smith but as Pemberton quite rightly pointed out, he has judged them on how they have performed under him and he has been happy with their contributions.

For me Chesterfield’s ‘one to watch’ this season will be Sharman. He looks like someone who can hold his own at this level and I think he will be a starter.

At the time of writing Pemberton has 18 outfield players and goalkeeper Luke Coddington in his squad. He has previously said he would like around 20 outfield players so perhaps we could see one or two more come in, probably on loan. Another ‘keeper is needed and perhaps a winger in case a change of formation is required and another forward to replace Mike Fondop’s 12 goals.

If any more new faces are to arrive I wouldn’t be surprised if they come into the fold a bit closer to the new season starting once other clubs have decided who they are willing to loan out and let go.

For now the attention turn to the bleep test and hill runs. Rather them than me.