Stockport County target Armando Dobra faces an important contract dilemma in the coming weeks, with his deal with Chesterfield set to enter the final 12 months once the 2024/25 campaign comes to an end.
Dobra was linked with a permanent switch to League One play-off chasers Stockport during the January transfer window, but no move was secured due to a financial issue and the forward instead remained with the Spireites where he will see out what’s left of the season before likely facing further speculation in the summer.
According to a report via the Derbyshire Times, Chesterfield are willing to go ‘all out’ in order to tie Dobra down to a new contract with the League Two side, protecting one of their biggest assets amidst a potential exit in the summer.
How has he fared this season?
The 23-year-old played a crucial role in Chesterfield’s National League title triumph last season and has demonstrated his qualities once again for Paul Cook’s side in the EFL.
Dobra has featured 29 times in League Two so far this season, starting 25 of those. He’s contributed to ten goals thus far, including a goal and assist during a recent victory against Bromley.
He’s also contributed to two further goals in five appearances in cup competitions for the Spireites, including a goal against Derby County in the EFL Cup earlier this season.
What’s been revealed in regards to contract talks?
Initially speaking at the end of January, Paul Cook revealed that he was very fond over the winger, suggesting he is highly-rated and supported by the manager, which could sway his decision to stay put and avoid an exit.
He stated…“At the minute, Armando is on the bus with us. He is everything I love about football. He plays the game like I like the game to be played.
“He has got an abundance of quality and his goals are now carrying us exactly to where we want to be.”
However on a ‘We Are Sailing’ podcast (quote via Derbyshire Times), Chesterfield’s director Ashley Kirk revealed the club had firm intentions to tie Dobra down to a new long-term deal. He stated…
“Obviously we recognise that he is one of the main assets we have on the pitch, he has been fantastic for us this season.
“When he is on the pitch you know you are going to get 100%. The way he conducts himself off the pitch, he is the best professional. He is all about improvement and driving himself forward which is fab.
“Our job now is try to secure Armando’s future here for the long-term and keep him as happy as we possibly can. We will keep everyone posted, but that is the plan.
“Chesterfield is a happy home, I think, (for him) and we are working hard to continue to make it that.”
What is the best decision for the player moving forward?
Ultimately, Chesterfield’s league outcome could play a vital role in deciding his future, providing his contract situation was to drag out until then.
Paul Cook’s side are currently 10th in League Two, six points off the play-off places though they do have a game in-hand over almost every side around them in the battle for the top seven.
If Chesterfield were to be promoted to League One, they’d likely face a significantly better chance of retaining their star man moving into next season, but those chances are likely to be impacted should the Spireites fail to go up – or an interested team like Stockport being promoted.
Stockport lost loanee Louie Barry in the January transfer window and eyed Dobra as a direct replacement, but due to the club’s busy recruitment earlier on in the month, they were unable to raise the required funds to sign the Spireites man.
Dobra has played the best football of his career so far with Chesterfield and has been a key asset behind their rise back into the EFL. He appears to be more than happy at Chesterfield, which also puts them in a good situation but turning down a club in a better league (with more money on offer) would be a difficult proposition to turn down.
Readers, what do you think Dobra should do?
