‘We’ll take the game to Bury,’ says Smith whose still hasn’t thought about permanent Spireites role

The interim manager, who still insists he’s not thinking about throwing his hat in the ring for the permanent job, wants to see a positive performance from Spireites at Gigg Lane.

Smith admitted he didn’t know much about the side in 10th in League One.

“I spoke to Mitch (Paul Mitchell) about them, he’s seen them a couple of times,” said Smith.

“They’ve got players who can hurt you, we’ve got to be on our toes but saying that we’ve got players who can hurt the opposition as well.

“We’ve got to got there and impose ourselves, take the game to them.

“I can’t see the point in going there to be negative, just to keep them out. We’ll take the game to them and see what happens.”

League form is the priority for Smith, despite still being involved in the FA Cup with a trip to Championship side Brentford the reward for a win in next Tuesday’s replay at Walsall.

“It’s a decent cup draw,” he said.

“It would have been nice to get a home draw against one of the big boys.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re in the hat for the third round.

“We have to finish the job off against Walsall, which will be difficult.

“But the league is the most important bit, we’ve got to get some results – let’s just get three points on Saturday and then turn our thoughts to Walsall.”

And he’s adamant thoughts haven’t strayed onto what might happen should Spireites pick up some form under his caretaker management.

“I’ve just been asked to take the reins and keep everything going and there was no rush at that time, whether that’s changed I don’t know.

“As far as I know nothing has changed.

“I’m sure that with the next couple of results will make the search intensify or, okay we’ve got a little bit of breathing space so we can take our time.

“Depending what happens on Saturday results wise, I’m sure I’ll get another week.

“I’m just concentrating on trying to get the lads ready for the game at Bury.

“Just taking one game at a time.

“I’d like a win, not because it strengthens my hand, but because I’m professional and I like to win at things.”