Chesterfield assistant says new-look squad has gelled and they're raring to go

Assistant manager Adrian Whitbread says he just wants the football to get underway now, having implemented so much change since the management team arrived in May.

“Although it’s just a couple of days away you just want it to come round now,” he said.

“That’s been the case all the way through pre-season.

“We’ve had an awful lot on, getting everything ready, players coming in and out, there’s just been so much and we just can’t wait to get to Saturday.

“This week we had our team photo, we had the Matlock game and a couple of other things so we’re just looking forward to getting on the bus on Friday and going because then we know it’s really here.

“We’re really excited about it.”

Although the first game will be special for so many members of the team and the staff as they make their competitive debuts, Whitbread has urged everyone to keep the game in context.

“It’s important we don’t get too over excited because it’s only the first game and we’ve got another 45 of them,” he said.

“It’s a long season but we feel we’ve got the players prepared and in the right place.

“I think they’ve gelled.

“That’s one thing you can look at them and say, there’s a strong togetherness.

“But I believe there’s a strong togetherness throughout the club.

“We don’t want to talk about the past, we’re just moving forward.”

Chesterfield face a busy opening month, with seven fixtures in 24 days.

Whitbread and the rest of the coaching staff will be out to keep their team healthy and fresh for the challenge.

“There’s a big turnaround after Saturday, of Saturday-Tuesday games.

“It’s a big effort in the month of August, we’ve got to look after the players.

“I’m sure the players can’t wait for it to start.

“We feel prepared and excited for it.”