Five reasons why Chesterfield fans can be hopeful this season

Pemberton’s the boss

Although he is yet to be officially confirmed as manager, we understand it is a formality and there’s no need for any panic.

This will be his first full season in charge and his two previous caretaker spells have been positive, losing just two of 12 matches in total so he clearly knows what it takes to get results at this level.

He got the best out of a struggling team when he took charge in January and this time he will have had a full pre-season to work with the squad on the training ground.

The players like working under him and have responded well to his enthusiasm and straight-talking approach.

One of the criticisms of the squad last year was a perceived lack of fitness, or sharpness as Pemberton said himself, but we saw a massive difference in just a short space of time from January onwards so I think we can be confident there won’t be any issues on that front.

He will have a better understanding of all of the players and how to get the best out of them. When he came in last season he had worked with a large chunk of the squad but there were some he had not seen before and he only had a limited amount of time to work out their strengths and weaknesses.

He has also been able to bring in some of his own players which will keep everyone on their toes.

By having fewer numbers Chesterfield will need a bit of luck with injuries and suspensions but hopefully Pemberton will be able to bring in a couple more new faces to give the squad a bit more depth.

Having worked at the club before he knows it inside out and what the fans expect from their team which is another plus.

Overall I think he is the perfect fit for what lies ahead.

Feelgood factor

Since the takeover was completed there does seem to be a sense of cautious optimism around the club which will help create a togetherness on the pitch when the new season gets underway on October 3. In recent years this has not been the case and this has been reflected in results on the field.

If this positivity can be projected onto the pitch, especially when supporters are allowed back into the ground, then the Technique Stadium will soon become a fortress and feared by opposition, something which has been lacking for a few years now.

Sprinkling of youth

It would have been a massive shame to have no young players around the squad this season so it is great to see youngsters Jamie Sharman, Regan Hutchinson and Luke Rawson get their opportunity.

It’s worth pointing out that they are not there to make up the numbers either. Pemberton sees potential in all three of them and Sharman and Hutchinson showed what they can do in brief spells last season when given a chance.

Nathan Tyson told the DT that he has been impressed with the trio’s fitness and attitude which is pleasing to hear.

Having youth players around can give everyone a lift with their work-rate and enthusiasm rubbing off on those around them.

I think they might play a bigger part than people think this season and I am looking forward to seeing them in action.

Signings so far

Four new faces have come through the door and I think they will all prove to be strong additions. Tyson and Jordan Cropper performed well last season while on loan, Milan Butterfield should add some extra energy to central midfield and goalkeeper Kyle Letheren is experienced and has won trophies.

No doubt Pemberton would have liked to have got a couple more in the building by now but more importantly it is about getting the right players in and they may have to be patient and play the waiting game.

If a couple more quality signings arrive then I think Pemberton and the club can be satisfied with the work they have done in the transfer market.

The only way is up

Despite the last two seasons of struggle I don’t see Chesterfield being near the bottom this time.

I have a feeling the Spireites will carry on where they left off last season and will get off to a promising start.

I don’t think anyone is demanding, or expecting, a promotion push this year but anything can happen and if the Blues get off to a good start and have a squeak of the play-offs come May then of course that would be most welcome.