What John Pemberton said about Chesterfield defender Anthony Gerrard leaving the club

The 33-year-old was signed by former Town boss John Sheridan in the summer after being released by Carlisle United.

The experienced centre-back made just 11 appearances for Chesterfield after struggling with injuries and he came under fire from some Blues supporters over his weight.

Gerrard, who was stripped of the captaincy following an exchange of unsavoury messages with a Spireites fan on social media, had his contract cancelled by mutual consent on Thursday.

"If he was to play in our team he would have a role which he would have to do and I just felt he would not be able to do what I wanted him to do,” Pemberton said.

"I have to say he was great while I was here.

"Whatever has gone on previously, I know he has had problems with the supporters.

"But while I was here he was really good but he just felt, and I just felt, he was falling down the pecking order.

"I felt once I got Yarney back, and I have got Sharman, I just did not see anywhere (where he could play).

"He had experience but I just felt it was not going to quite work.

"He was doing a lot of travelling for just training so we just came to an agreement.”

Gerrard’s last competitive appearance came on December 21 in a 3-0 win at Torquay United.

Pemberton added: "He was not really happy just staying and training but I wish him well.

"He had good inputs in the meetings.

"He had good input when he was out of the team last week in the dressing room.

"He just felt it was time to move on.”

When asked if Gerrard’s departure would free up some wages for any new additions, Pemberton said: "If the right one was to come along we would have to have a look at it but the goalkeeping situation now has thrown us again. It is one I did not think I would have.”