Why John Pemberton has been "impressed" with Chesterfield midfielder Jonathan Smith - and reveals he tried to sign him previously

Smith, 33, had a difficult time in the first-half of the season under John Sheridan where he was either not selected or often played out of position.

But having been recalled to the side the former Luton Town, Swindon and Stevenage man has bagged three goals in four games, with his only other goal coming back in August.

Pemberton said: "I have been impressed with him as a person.

"I knew him from last time I was involved (as Chesterfield caretaker manager).

"At my previous club (Kidderminster Harriers) I tried to take him down there when I knew he was not involved.

"I think he adds something to us.”

Smith, who is studying for a sports journalism degree, scored the winner in Pemberton’s first game against Sutton United last month as well as strikes against Eastleigh and AFC Fylde.

"The dimension of the goalscoring has been a bonus for us,” Pemberton added.

"I did say to him 'do you tend to get them in batches' and he said 'yeah, I have done that before'.

"I just knew what he would add to us regards of the position we are in, the relegation fight, having to roll your sleeves up to start with.

“You have got to earn the right to win a football match and he brings that mentality and he brings that to us.”