Ashley Carson hints at further delay in Chesterfield takeover deal

The trust has been working on a deal to buy the club from Dave Allen for several months and in his last update Mr Carson had suggested July 1 for completion.

However, the Spireites company secretary appears to have indicated that won’t be possible.

Mr Carson, who has made no secret that the club is still willing to listen to any offers from other parties, said: “We still receive interest and another ‘tyre kicker’ bites the dust this week.

“However, I can’t fault the community trust and Mike Goodwin’s (trust chairman) desire and relentless persistence to take over.

“After quite a few twists and turns, I do feel that progress has been made again.

“I think my forecasts on a completion date are proving to be a jinx and so all I will say is that nothing is dead in the water, keep the faith! Your club needs to go to the right custodians going forward.”

On the field, Mr Carson said caretaker manager John Pemberton is “still in discussion with target players” but added that they can’t commit to any new signings yet.

To bring the Blues players back into training would cost the club more than £10,000 per week so they can’t currently afford to do so, he added.

There is positive news on the long-term injuries of Laurence Maguire and Luke Coddington.

Defender Maguire, who suffered a serious knee injury against Solihull Moors on Boxing Day should be back for pre-season, while goalkeeper Luke Coddington is set to have surgery on a shoulder injury on July 2.

In other news, Mr Carson has confirmed the club has submitted their third furlough claim of £112,210.

With Chesterfield’s wage bill being £122,347 this month, he said there would be a shortfall of £10,000 and Mr Allen “will probably” have to inject £35,000 in total to cover costs.

“Cash coming into the club is currently very low, mainly sponsorship payments and now the sale of replica shirts,” he said.

“I must thank suppliers who have been very patient with us, whilst we drag ourselves through this surreal situation.”

Mr Carson also said discussions have been held about starting the new National League season in September, as revealed by the DT, but as it stands nothing is concrete and they can’t play for anything.

Meanwhile, as previously reported, the academy will close at the end of this month but a new structure has been launched and will be led by Neil Cluxton.

The new signage for the renamed Technique Stadium will be put in place soon.

Around 200 new home shirts have been sold so far but there is no date yet for when season tickets will go on sale.