Chesterfield’s play-off aspirations suffered a painful setback this weekend, as a stoppage-time winner from Shrewsbury Town condemned them to a narrow 3-2 home defeat.
A frustrated Paul Cook revealed in no uncertain terms that he refrained from addressing his players immediately after the loss, citing the need for his squad to reflect individually on their own failings in the disappointing loss to the Shrews.
To add insult to injury, a victory for Salford City and a credible point for Grimsby Town against league leaders Bromley made the Spireites’ blank all the more costly in the race for the League Two play-offs. Both of their closest rivals leapfrogged them on Saturday, leaving them outside of the coveted top-six positions on goal difference.
With plenty still to play for, the 59-year-old will be hoping his strong words trigger a positive response from his team in the coming matches.
‘Man Up’ – Paul Cook Message After Damaging Day
Never one to mince his words, the Liverpudlian boss opted for a scathing approach in a bid to spark a turnaround from his squad.
In comments published by Derbyshire Live, Cook claims that difficult conversations need to be had and that without them, they risk failing to meet their preseason targets.
“I’ve tried, I’ve coached, I’ve carried, it is time for you to man up in the dressing room and start talking to each other like men and not children.”
“You’ve got to man up and take your medicine.”
Admittedly, it was a particularly bitter pill to swallow for everyone associated with Chesterfield, following what was overall a strong home performance. But individual errors, and slack defending from dead-ball situations is what saw the points fall by the wayside.
The team enjoyed 75% of the afternoons’ possession, and registered eight attempts on target on a day that saw visiting goalkeeper Matthew Cox put out an impressive performance.
In contrast, Zach Hemming made an uncharacteristic error to allow the second Salop goal. But his manager refrained from singling him out, instead pointing to a collective lack of resolve across the team as the major contributing factor to the defeat.
Chesterfield To Find The Silver Lining In Defeat
The Spirites faithful would undoubtedly prefer to have the points secured, rather than the lessons learned from a loss. Yet, solace can be found despite an otherwise dismal defensive showing, as the difficult experience, coupled with the stinging critique from their manager, holds the potential to galvanize the team for future challenges.
Games come thick and fast, particularly in the EFL, and it can become easy for concentration to waver amidst the relentless schedule. The wake-up call in front of their own fans must be viewed as exactly that, a reminder that focus must be at the optimum level for the duration of every match.
It wouldn’t be wise for the players to dwell too much on their disappointment, especially considering they maintained control of the game for significant periods. A key positive for the Derbyshire outfit is the confidence they can have in their goal-scoring capabilities. They are the fourth leading scorers in the division with 57, yet their top scorer, Lee Bonis, has registered just nine, breathing belief into the team that goals are coming from all over the pitch.
Their next chance to get back on track arrives when they face Notts County, a team embroiled in a fierce five-way contest for automatic promotion spots, this Saturday lunchtime. Their primary objectives at Meadow Lane must include rediscovering their defensive strategy against balls played into their own penalty area.
Achieving that defensive solidity will go a long way towards pacifying Paul Cook as the run-in approaches.