John Pemberton comments on whether he wants Chesterfield manager's job on permanent basis

The 55-year-old joined on a short-term rolling contract in January after the community trust agreed a deal with owner Dave Allen to buy the club.

However, the takeover has been delayed due to the coronavirus and the Spireites need to start planning for next season.

All signs point towards Pemberton getting the job after the club announced that he is to be taken off furlough to make decisions on players who are out of contract and we understand he will be offered the position if the takeover does not go through.

Pemberton admirably told the DT that he wants to put the club in a strong position for the next campaign whether he is in charge or not.

“I am doing what I said I would do which is help out because what we can’t do if this drags on is get to June and nothing has been done at the club,” he said.

“It could backfire - I could try to sort stuff out and somebody comes in and changes it and I have done all that work for nothing but I don’t feel I am doing all that work for nothing. I feel I am doing that work for Chesterfield Football Club and doing my job properly.

“I am really doing this for the football club so we are not in a rat race and there are some things in place for myself if it is going to be me or if it is going to be somebody else so at least they have an idea of where we are.”

He added: “If the time comes and they say ‘we would like you to be the manager’ and they offer me the job then I will talk and deal with that after.”

Pemberton guided the Blues out of the National League relegation zone and up to 19th before the season was suspended in the middle of March.

“I am enjoying what I have done, that is all I am going to say,” he added.