John Pemberton on not "ripping up squad" and his recruitment strategy

Chesterfield’s squad does not need “massively ripping to pieces”, says boss John Pemberton.
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The Spireites caretaker is to be taken off furlough to make decisions on the 15 players out of contract at the end of June.

Pemberton said next season’s budget will be “a lot less” and “the days of chucking money at it are over.”

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“I said right from the start it is a massive rebuilding job,” he told the DT.

“Financially the club is not in as strong a position as it has been so the budget is going to be a lot less.

“There are some good players in our team and it does not need massively ripping to pieces.

“I think you have seen in the 10 weeks I was there we did make progress and players did improve.

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“I have never had a pre-season with some of these players. I am not saying I am a magician or anything but I would like to build from scratch and get going again.

Chesterfield have 15 players out of contract at the end of June.Chesterfield have 15 players out of contract at the end of June.
Chesterfield have 15 players out of contract at the end of June.

“But chucking money at it – which they have arguably done in the past - I think those days are over.”

Pemberton wants to work with a squad of around 20 outfield players including a couple who can play in more than one position.

In terms of signings, Pemberton said he has a “huge list” of players from the National League divisions and the Football League.

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The current situation with the coronavirus and the financial impact on clubs could mean that there are a lot more players released and that is something he is monitoring.

Pemberton, who said they won’t be rushing into anything, added: “Financially we are going to have to cut our cloth accordingly and other clubs might have to do the same so you might be pleasantly surprised by what we can afford or not as the case may be.

“We might get some players that Football League clubs can’t afford, I don’t know until we see the retain lists and start speaking to agents.

“There might be a lot more players available who are trying to find clubs and Chesterfield is a big club.”