Chesterfield manager Paul Cook was unable to hide his disappointment with some of his fringe players following last night’s emphatic 7-1 loss at the hands of Crewe Alexandra.
The Spireites have enjoyed a solid start to the League Two season, winning four and drawing one of their opening six fixtures. As a result, they currently sit second in the table, one point behind leaders Gillingham.
The Derbyshire-based side took a break from their league exploits last night to travel to Crewe in the EFL Trophy. As is prominent in this competition, Cook rotated his side to give some of his squad players a chance to stake their claims for a starting position.
11 changes were made from Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Crawley Town, but it proved to be a game to forget as the much-changed side suffered a night to forget.
“Done Themselves Harm”
Following the loss, Cook admitted it was one of the toughest nights of his managerial career. Although he refused to single out any particular player, he did go as far as to say those that were on the pitch haven’t done themselves any favours. Speaking after the game, he said:
“It is probably my worst defeat as a manager – I don’t think I have ever been beaten like that. Some of the goals we give away, we don’t need to discuss them do we. I don’t think too much needs to be said about the game other than…no, no, no. I am not going to start slagging people off, the supporters know me better than that. Sometimes it is better to say less.
“The game was supposed to get minutes for players, it was supposed to be a game where people stake their claim to say ‘I should be playing’ and unfortunately I think a lot of lads have done themselves harm tonight haven’t they.
“You have got to have an appetite to play and unfortunately our appetite wasn’t quite right. It was over at half-time as a contest. It was over after 15-20 mins. There are certain criteria in football that you have to do and we certainly didn’t do it tonight.”
Writer’s View
Chesterfield are one of the favourites to earn promotion from League Two and their early season form has justified that claim. However, last night showed that they may be in a bit of trouble if they pick up a few injuries, with those that deputised last night capitulating from the off. Crewe were 3-0 up within 16 minutes and the Spireites ‘B’ squad simply folded after that. Cook will be hoping that it was just a bad day at the office and the wakeup call some of his fringe players need ahead of what is set to be a long, gruelling season. It will be interesting to see how many get another opportunity in their next EFL Trophy game next month.
