John Pemberton said the tragic death of former Spireites player Jordan Sinnott “definitely had an impact” on some of his players in their defeat to Notts County on Saturday.

Sinnott, 25, was assaulted on a night out in Retford on Friday, January 24 and passed away the next day.

Three men have been charged in connection with the incident.

A number of Town’s players knew Sinnott, who played for Matlock Town at the time of his death, and were good friends with him.

Chesterfield’s players wore black armbands as a mark of respect against County and there was a minute’s applause for Sinnott before kick-off.

In the 25th minute of the game Spireites supporters paid tribute to him by singing “there’s only one Jordan Sinnott.”

"It has been a tough week with everything that has gone on,” Pemberton said.

"I don't want to make excuses for them but the facts are we have been a bit flat this week. I am sure we will be a lot better on Saturday.

There was a minute's applause for former Chesterfield player Jordan Sinnott before Saturday's match against Notts County. | Freelance

"I am sure it did (have an impact).

“What I saw on Monday morning - I tried to play it down a little bit - it was very difficult Monday morning.

"I thought we started the game alright but it has definitely had an impact on some of the players.

"I think we have showed a lot of class as a club and our supporters have shown a lot of class and we can only thank them for that."

"It definitely had an impact on my players" - John Pemberton on death of former Chesterfield player Jordan Sinnott